Cars typically last for around eight years or 150,000 miles. Some well-built ones may last twice as long. You can add a couple more years to your vehicle’s useful life with regular maintenance, but only if you do it right. Unsurprisingly, many car owners fail at first, and it takes them several tries before they perform car maintenance right. Car dealerships near Rio Rancho, NM share some practical car care tips to help you achieve this.
Professional service every 30,000 miles
Did you know that vehicles lose up to 20% of their value the minute they are driven out of the showroom? Of course, the rate they depreciate depends on their make, model, and market demand. But eventually, as a vehicle ages, the main driving factor for depreciation is its condition. So if you want to preserve your vehicle’s value as much as possible, take it in for scheduled maintenance every 30,000 miles. That’s pretty much the rule of thumb. But you may shorten the intervals to get the best longevity.
Fluids, belts, and blades
These are the first components of your vehicle to wear out. If your car is brand new, you should check on them at least three months after purchase. There are several types of fluids in your vehicle, but the first one you should inspect is the engine oil because it turns viscous too quickly. When it does, the belts and wiper blades will also have sustained damage at this point. Assess the damage and determine whether they can hold out for a bit longer, or you should take them to a Subaru dealer near Santa Fe, NM for a replacement.
Tires, exhaust system, and battery
Around six months after buying your car, you’ll notice slight uneven wear on the tires. They are likely not severe enough to require rotation, but it’s better to check, especially if the road you usually take is a little rough. You may also notice a strange noise coming out of the exhaust system. That’s most likely the muffler needing a few adjustments. Car batteries don’t usually show any signs of problems until they are at least three years old, but it won’t hurt to have a look. You might find other issues that need immediate attention.
Ignition, transmission, and fuel filter
More issues will start to emerge as your Subaru near Rio Rancho, NM gets a few years older, and your mileage grows. Two years in, and the spark plugs might start acting up. It’s good that they are among the few components that are not complicated to replace. Just as the engine needs oil to perform efficiently, the transmission system needs its own lubricant. The transmission fluid will have worn out at this point, and so will the fuel filter. Consider replacing them before they trigger a series of irreversible problems.
Taking good care of your car starts with knowing its parts, particularly how long they last and what maintenance they require. Then, you can extend your car’s useful life with proper care. Check out the Fiesta Subaru car dealer in the Albuquerque, NM area for more car maintenance tips.
