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Routine Car Or Automobile
Maintenance
The Key To Protecting Against New Car
Purchases
by Ralph P. Stofman
You may well depend on your car, truck or S.U.V. for
transportation. Most people today need reliable transportation in
order to maintain their livelihood or chauffeur their family -
either for errands or to classes and appointments.
Buying an automotive product is a major ordeal - what with
selection, car salesman, negotiation tactics, car finance or
lease options as well as auto product finance rates either from
the dealer or your local financial institution. On top of that
most people only buy a new vehicle only when their current one
breaks down or is costing them a fortune in repairs. As such they
are in a rush in terms of selection for their purchase, their
finances may be limited. As a result they are not in the best
negotiating position to buy that newer vehicle from a seller -
whether they are a retail car dealer or private auto seller. If
you can prevent or at least prolong that hassle from occurring-
why not make life easier for yourself.
Some people seem to have no trouble with their cars. Others seem
to have a regular, almost predictable battle, with their cars
breaking down and needing costly repairs. Why is this so? In some
cases it may be plain luck. In other cases it may factors at the
assembly line - it used to be that it was recommended not to
purchase a car that was made on certain days, usually before or
after a weekend or major holiday. As a car buyer it was
recommended to inspect the sticker on the car door for date of
manufacture. Lots of luck. However with quality levels being
maintained in a more consistent manner now this does not seem to
be such an issue.
The major and overriding reason that some people don't have a
string of car and car repair problems and others do comes down
very simply in most cases to basic car maintenance. A car does
not just run by itself forever. It needs routine maintenance.
It's fairly simple. In most cases all you have to do is refer to
your owner's manual for maintained information specific to your
car. If your glove box does not contain an owner or owner's
maintenance manual, this information can easily be located either
online, or by contacting the car dealer or manufacturer. At the
worst you can buy these manuals online on eBay in a cd disc
format. Well worth the cost...
Routine automobile eminence includes - regular oil changes,
checking your car tire pressures and tire tread wear. From time
to time the tires should be rotated as well.
Fluid levels should be checked on an ongoing basis - this
includes oil, transmission, power steering and brake fluids. Of
course windshield washer fluid should be topped up for safety.
Radiator coolant levels should be inspected as well. A
professional can inspect your hoses, pipes and wiring for wear
and tear which necessitates replacement.
Your battery and transmission should be inspected and tested on a
regular basis - especially if you do winter driving. Finally the
car depends on its transmission, which is often the most
unappreciated mechanical component of the car. Have a specialized
transmission shop inspect and test the transmission on its
recommended basis.
In the end it's all very simple. Car drivers who do not seem to
have "car trouble" and a string of mechanical failures and
expensive repairs are the ones who take the time to conduct
routine regular maintenance on their vehicles. Its all in the
automobile manufactures manuals- the owner's manual and service
manual. On top of that when you do go shopping for a new car,
truck, van or S.U.V. your car will be more desirable as well as
worth more cash as a trade in.
About The Author: Ralph P. Stofman Second Chance Finance
Coquitlam B.C.Car Dealer http://www.secondchancefinance.ca Riv.ca
Import Broker http://www.eagleridgegm.com/
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