If you’ve been driving an old vehicle for a while, no one will blame you for dreaming of a new car. But with today’s high prices for new and used cars, buying a new or new-to-you vehicle could seem more like a nightmare.
So, if buying a newer vehicle doesn’t fit your budget right now, how can you get the most life and miles out of your older vehicle? We’re glad you asked!
3 tips to help make an old vehicle last longer
1. Follow a regular preventive maintenance program.
If you’ve been to our Tempe auto repair shop, you know this is one of our favorite tips. every person who owns or operates a vehicle. But it’s especially true if you own or drive one older vehicle
Each vehicle comes with a set of maintenance items recommended by its manufacturer. That makes sense, right? The people who made the vehicle should know how long their parts should last. They also know how these parts and systems hold up typical driving conditions.
For more specific advice relating to your vehicle, its current condition and your typical driving habits and environment, talk to your trusted mechanic. They will be able to match the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules with your car’s current performance to help you keep it running smoothly. Preventive maintenance is also a good way to catch minor problems before they become big and expensive ones.
2. Pay attention to guarantees.
If you’re driving an older vehicle, it’s likely that the standard manufacturer’s warranty has already expired. However, you may have purchased an extended warranty when you first received the vehicle. If you did, pay attention to what is covered and what is not. If you are facing a potentially expensive repair, you may be able to save a significant amount of money if the repair is a covered warranty item. Just be aware that many warranties cover parts but not necessarily labor to diagnose or repair the problem.
At Good Works Auto Repair, we offer one of the best warranties in the auto industry: a 5-year/60,000-mile parts and labor warranty on major repairs. We can back our work because we use quality parts and state-of-the-art technology, follow industry standards for auto repair, and hire the best automotive technicians who are also ASE certified.
3. Pros and cons of major repairs on an old vehicle.
Even with today’s high new and used car prices, it doesn’t always it makes sense to repair a vehicle rather than replace it with a newer model. The final decision is usually based on the cost of the repair needed, how much your car is worth, and what other repairs have been completed recently. When you combine all these factors, you will have the big picture and can see if repairing your old vehicle makes financial sense.
Expert auto repairs for your new or used vehicle in Tempe, AZ
At Good Works Auto Repair, we love ALL vehicles…new cars, old cars, and everything in between! While new vehicles may be more luxurious or glamorous, we are big advocates of keeping your older vehicle running as safely as possible because you can save a significant amount of money by doing so. That’s why we offer a wide variety of auto repair and maintenance services, as well as an industry-leading warranty.
If you need help keeping YOUR older vehicle on the road and running smoothly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Ranked as one of the top 3 auto repair shops in Tempe, we take pride in our work and our friendly staff goes out of their way to make your repair and maintenance experience as flawless as possible.
Just give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
