Now that we have what to prioritize when buying a new vehicle let’s go over what you should prioritize if you are holding onto your current vehicle. To assess the value of your current vehicle you can use valuation guides such as Kelley Blue Book. When doing this there are a few things you need to have on hand. Those include vehicle make, model, milage, features, condition and engine size and type. To ensure that your car keeps its valuation high there are routine maintenance that you need to be on top of which include:
- Oil Changes – If you want the life of your vehicle to last as long as possible it is crucial to get routine oil changes. That means every 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 miles depending on the type of oil your vehicle takes. This will not only help keep your engine healthy but also help ensure that your car stays on the road longer.
- Brake Inspection – Other than making sure your car starts there is nothing more important than your brakes. It’s important to roll down your window every now and then and give your brakes a listen. Are they squealing? Grinding? If so, it may be time for some new brake pads and rotors. Also, be sure to feel your brake pedal. Is it too squishy? Is it being pressed down too far? It could be time to check your brake fluid or have your brake line bled.
- Tire Inspection – After your engine and brakes, your tires are the next most important thing to maintain on your vehicle. While your brakes enable you to stop your tires keep you from skidding all over the road. Making sure your tires have tread, are properly aligned and balanced and have the right amount of air all help keep your car safely on the road.
- Headlights – If you are someone who drives a lot at night it may be time to check if your headlights are starting to dim. If they aren’t shining as bright as they once were it’s time to change the bulbs. Always remember if you change one bulb, you should change the other one as well. No one wants one bright and one dim headlight.
- Windshield Wipers – It’s common for people to neglect their windshield wipers, but it is essential to check them. When your windshield wipers are not in perfect shape, they can leave streaks on your windshield making visibility worse. For the safety of yourself and others it is important to check your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary.
At Power Trucks USA we offer top-of-the-line maintenance that will keep your car on the road and keep the value of your car sky high. When you are assessing what repairs you want to prioritize use the above as a checklist or bring your car in to have it inspected. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 540-349-0339.