Car Maintenance By the Numbers

new carIn the market to purchase a new car? Before you take the plunge, make sure to brush up on some car maintenance tips to keep that car looking and feeling new for years to come!

Safety first!
The seat belts are not there to make a fashion statement! Wearing the belt strapped to your chest — snug but not too tight — will help to prevent any injuries in case you get into an accident. Make sure to reiterate this when teaching your child how to drive. Over 74,000 young people die or are injured each year by not wearing seat belts. Additionally, in their first year of driving, one in five 16-year-old drivers had an accident. Never allow your child to drive unless you feel they are properly trained or if there are dangerous weather conditions

Oil
Clean oil ensures your vehicle runs smoothly through properly lubricating the engine. Without a sufficient amount of oil, the moving parts of the engine would rub together, creating an extreme amount of friction that will do serious damage. Oil also minimizes the engine’s exposure to oxygen which limits rust and oxidation. Be sure to go for an oil and air filter change every 5,000 miles so the engine will be able to operate at a safe level.

Tires
Make sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to get the most life possible from your tires. Rotating them to a different corner of your car will ensure they are worn down evenly, increasing your vehicle performance and gas mileage. It will also save you money in the long, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Plus, properly inflated tires can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Buying Used
Looking to get a new car but you don’t want to spend the hefty price tag for a new one? Buy a used car! The average vehicle will have three owners in its lifetime and over 75% of automotive transactions in the United States involve a previously owned vehicle, so it is extremely common to purchase used. Going this route doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of the new car you choose, there are many used car dealerships in Sioux Falls SD that offer luxury brand names at a lower price!

Follow all of these steps but still need a repair? Many car dealerships offer routine maintenance checks that will help you and your car feel brand new!