What’s the one thing an adult in the United States can’t live without?
Essentials like the internet, electricity, and water quickly come to mind, but what we’re looking for in this context is, you guessed it, a car!
Cars are the ultimate symbols of freedom of movement. You can go anywhere you want to go on a whim.
Your car, just like any other machine, needs routine maintenance. And the consequences of neglecting this important task can be fatal. Buckle up and continue reading as we explore the major benefits of proper car maintenance.
Benefits of Proper Car Maintenance
Safety
This is a no-brainer. Vehicles can be double-edged swords. On one side, they can do what they were designed to do with ruthless efficiency. On the other hand, they can turn into lethal weapons capable of causing serious injuries and even taking lives.
Maintenance is what makes the difference.
A well-maintained car will go on with its job, starting up without fail, accelerating when urged, and braking when required. A poorly-maintained car can fail in the middle of a busy highway and probably cause an accident.
Your car’s brakes, for instance, need routine maintenance. Without it, they’ll inevitably fail.
Maintain your car routinely for your safety, as well as the safety of other road users.
Cost of Repairs
An unexpected car repair issue will set you back about $500 on average. A major issue, such as engine replacement, can cost more than $10,000.
Although some car parts will fail because of manufacturing defects, others can fail because of poor maintenance.
Case in point: You should change your engine oil every 5,000-7,500 miles. What will happen if you don’t change the oil at all? The engine will certainly knock, and you’ll face the prospect of buying a new engine.
Routine maintenance will save you from spending money on expensive car parts. Yes, you can find good deals at Diesel Logic and other stores that sell auto parts, but buying a new engine or gearbox shouldn’t be part of your car ownership journey.
Value Perseveration
It’s no secret that cars, especially new ones, depreciate at an alarming rate. Legend has it that a new ride will lose about 10% of its value the moment you drive off the dealership!
The depreciation rate slows down as the car racks up the miles (or years). Your goal as a car owner is to slow down its depreciation as much as possible, just in case you’ll need to sell it a few years later.
Routine maintenance is key to value preservation. A maintained car won’t break down as often, so it won’t have a long repair history, which is exactly what discourages buyers of pre-owned vehicles.
Last Words
Car ownership is meant to be an amazing journey full of beautiful memories of adventure. That will only happen if you buy the right car for your needs and invest in routine maintenance. You’ll save yourself from endless car troubles and headaches, and your prized possession won’t depreciate like a stone dropping from the sky.
Keep Reading: How Long Does an Oil Change Take
Michael C Vang is a passionate blogger. He has been blogging since 2013 on a variety of topics. He is committed to creating informative and engaging content that helps readers learn more about everything.