Trade in your vehicle may prove difficult with both the new and used car prices at record highs. You may get more but you could also pay more. You can also hold on to what you already have.
Do you have the funds? Then invest in your vehicle and catch up on any repairs or maintenance you missed. It's a double-edged benefit. These expenditures will not only result in better performance and fuel economy, but your vehicle will also be more valuable when it comes time to sell or trade.
It is more important than ever that you take care of your vehicle. In return, it will give you many years of reliable service and mileage. We have compiled a list with 10 tips to keep your car running smoothly for the long-term. This will help increase the vehicle's value and allow you to sell it for top dollar.
Ten Tips for Service and Repair:
1. 1. Get your car cleaned and detailed.
Car detailing involves the restoration of your vehicle to its showroom condition. It is done by hand and involves a exterior wash and polishing. Sometimes, a clay bar treatment is used to remove road residue and debris. Detailers clean and steam clean the interior, trim, and condition the seats. They also scrub and brush any crumbs from crevices. To give your car a completely new look, the process includes tire dressing and wheel cleaning. Prices can vary depending on the size and region of the vehicle and can be between $50 and $300.
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If your car looks great, you will look great. You can also have dents and dings repaired, the paint refreshed, and dents removed. You can also clean, polish, or replace oxidized, cloudy, headlight lenses. You can take the work to a body shop, but there are many companies that will come to your home.
3. Tune-ups and oil changes
A change of oil is essential for long vehicle life. It's basically a transfusion of the engine. The recommended oil change interval for traditional oil is between 6,000 and 7,500 miles. Synthetic oil can be used up to 10,000 miles per year. An oil change includes a replacement of the oil filter and can cost between $20 and $85, depending on where you live and what your vehicle needs.
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Vehicles today are more complicated than ever. They require regular maintenance in order to function properly. A tune-up is necessary for poor fuel economy or rough idle. The basics include replacing spark plugs and changing fuel and air filters. To check the condition of your engine and to restore it to its original specifications, technicians connect to the vehicle's onboard diagnostics. Prices will vary depending on the vehicle type and region. However, minor tune-ups should cost between $40 and $150. For luxury or high-performance vehicles, special tune-ups can cost $200-$800.
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All-wheel or front alignments will keep your vehicle on the straight and narrow. Proper alignment will ensure your vehicle steers straight, maintains its suspension geometry and, most importantly, prolongs the life of your tires. An average front-end alignment can cost between $65 and $125. All-wheel alignment is more expensive. Some car care facilities even offer lifetime alignment, which is around $200.
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A new set of tires can revitalize your car. It is simple to find the correct sizes in your owner's manual if you don't know anything about tires. Specialized vehicles, such as high-performance vehicles and those with high-performance engines, may use staggered sets that have smaller tires at the front and larger ones at the rear. Prices will vary depending on the size of your vehicle, truck or SUV.
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You need to go beyond the point where the rubber meets road. To ensure smooth riding, make sure the tires are properly balanced (spinning). Winter tires are a good investment if you live in the Snowbelt.
Rotating the tires is an important part of regular maintenance. This means that the tires are moved from front to rear or right to left depending on whether you have front- or back-drive and if your car has staggered rear or front tire sizes. Regularly check your tire pressure, and ensure it matches the sticker on the driver's door frame. The fastest way to reduce the life expectancy of your tires is by underinflation.
6. Inspection or brake job
Brakes consist of brake pads and rotors. Brakes eventually wear out. The most important factor in determining the life of your brakes is how you drive your car. You will wear out your brake pads and rotors faster if you drive at a high speed and then slow down as you approach a stoplight.
Manufacturers of brake pads say that they can expect to last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles for each set of pads or rotors. Some pads and rotors will need to be changed sooner than others. It is possible to have your brakes replaced as soon as you get your car.
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Coolant flushes are a common service that is often overlooked. This fluid helps prevent engine overheating due to the combustion process. It can cause the engine to heat up beyond its specifications if it is not replaced and flushed. A cracked block of engine, a blown gasket, or other problems can occur, which can lead to a higher cost than the cost for the coolant flush. It is a good idea to flush your coolant once every 30,000 miles. Depending on the vehicle, costs can run from $100 to $150.
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Nothing is more frustrating than streaky wipers which don't move water from your windshield. This is a simple repair that doesn't cost much. There are many sizes available depending on the vehicle. You can find universal fit wipers at any auto parts shop. Your dealership parts department will have the exact fit for you.
Blades are typically $10-20 per wiper, and should be replaced in a set. The frequency they require replacement will depend on how frequently they are used, and where you live. Rubber that is exposed to high temperatures will be more likely to crack than rubber from areas with a milder climate.
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Air conditioners are a closed system and should last for many years with minimal maintenance. You may notice that your car's air conditioner is not cooling as it used to, which could indicate a refrigerant leak. Any leaky parts will be checked and replaced by a mechanic. An Evac and Recharge is a process that removes old refrigerant and recharges the system to factory specifications. Final inspection inside will confirm that the system meets factory specifications. The system is sealed so it should never require service. However, if there are no cooling signals, the cost of repair could range from $200 to $1,000 depending on what vehicle you have.
10. Flushing/oil change for transmission
Transmission fluid flushes used to be a part of regular vehicle maintenance. Transmission fluid flushes were a common part of vehicle maintenance in the past. Modern transmissions don't require maintenance, unless they are very heavy-duty vehicles such as a taxi or police car. According to most owners manuals, it is recommended that you check the fluid level periodically and only fill up as necessary. If in doubt, have your mechanic inspect it. Some manuals recommend avoiding flushes altogether because of the possibility that debris from the system could be clogged the transmission oil filter.
This story was originally published on KBB.com.
