Buying a vehicle is an investment and the best way to protect your investment is with preventative maintenance…but do you get maintenance advice from the owner’s manual or the dealer who sold you your car?
A well-maintained vehicle, even one with high mileage, can end up saving you thousands and thousands of dollars after you’ve paid off the loan. Your vehicle CAN last a long time, but only if you have it serviced and inspected regularly by an experienced auto repair shop. This means he has the means and knowledge to maintain vehicles with many miles and many stories to tell!
Where should you go for advice: owner’s manual or dealer?
You can search for almost anything on the internet these days. But, your vehicle also comes with an owner’s manual that will give you specific mileage and service intervals so you know what’s next for your preventive maintenance appointments.
Dealers will also offer advice and service at specific intervals. You probably don’t want to spend a lot of extra money on routine maintenance you don’t need, but you also want to do enough to maintain your vehicle and avoid major car repairs, right? So which advice do you follow: the dealer or the owner’s manual?
The owner’s manual was made for your specific make of vehicle!
Yes, that is correct. People with high mileage vehicles and automotive experts will agree that the owner’s manual was made by the people who built your vehicle. A dealership sells vehicles, but they may not be experts in service intervals for your make or model.
The owner’s manual gives you an A-Z view of the details of your car, such as when to change the oil and when to rotate the tires. Included in each manual are tips on maintenance and troubleshooting, such as what is the correct tire pressure.
Trusted auto repair shops are also important for the health of your vehicle.
Your trusted mechanics here at Good Works Auto Repair know what this manual says and we will also recommend what your vehicle needs based on our experience and expertise. We will always recommend that you do the following to get the most miles out of your vehicle and your investment in it:
- Follow the service interval schedule. During an inspection, a qualified technician will check your tires, fluid levels, belts, lights, wipers, battery, hoses and more. As a driver or owner, you can also help prevent major problems. If you notice strange smells and sounds coming from your car even when your vehicle is not due for routine maintenance, call us for an appointment right away!
- Change your oil when you’re supposed to. Regularly scheduled oil changes are important to maintaining a healthy engine. Oil changes keep engine parts well coated and protected from potentially damaging heat and friction. When your vehicle has high mileage, regular oil changes are especially important!
- Check the tire pressure. Regular checks and monitoring by both you and a repair shop can help prevent tire problems. Properly inflated tires not only help them last longer, but your car will drive better, get better fuel economy, and be safer!
- Keep your vehicle clean. Sure, it will make it look nicer inside and out, but a clean vehicle is actually a healthier vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, washing and waxing your car regularly protects the paint and fights rust, while vacuuming dirt and sand from carpets and seats can minimize tears and holes.
Get expert auto repair and maintenance in Tempe, AZ
Come to your next appointment and we’ll see what your vehicle needs. We are happy to help you maintain your vehicle regularly and look forward to adding it to our high mileage family. Just schedule an appointment with us today!
