Best Ways To Care For Your the Vehicle You Buy at Auto Now

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle at the Auto Now dealership in Belton, Missouri. Maybe you even have had your eyes set on a few vehicles in our inventory for a while and you’re ready to talk financing through our buy here pay here program? Or maybe you’re one of our valued customers who just drove off our lot in that perfect vehicle that fits your needs and your budget? Whatever situation you’re in, it helps to have a refresher on caring for your car. Vehicles can be intimidating but fear not, we’ve created a list with ten of the best ways to care for your vehicle that you’ve purchased through Auto Now.

1. Check and change the oil

Regular oil and oil filter changes are probably one of the most important, if not the most important form of regular maintenance that you can perform on your vehicle. On the flip side, ignoring, forgetting or not caring about oil quality and oil level is one of the fastest ways to destroy your car’s engine. Depending on your car’s oil, you’ll want to change it between every 3,000-5,000 miles.

2. Check tire pressure and rotate tires

Tires can often be taken for granted when thinking about the overall operation of a car. However, when we think that the average person drives 12,000 miles each year in a variety of conditions, having those four circles of rubber operating in peak performance is key to longevity of your vehicle and your safety. Once a month, check the tire pressure with an accurate pressure gauge and make sure the reading is close to the recommended pressure from the car’s manufacturer. Secondly, rotate your tires every 5-10,000 miles. Tire rotation will insure a smooth ride, even wear, and help with gas mileage.

3. Follow suggested maintenance schedule in your car’s owner manual

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right? Wrong. Waiting for something to break on your car rather than maintaining your car so it operates correctly can be the difference between hundreds of dollars and thousands of dollars in repair jobs. Even worse, not maintaining your vehicle and following the suggested maintenance schedule could cause your car to stop working altogether.

4. Change air filter

Checking your air filter every 3,000-5,000 miles will help the quality of air your vehicle is taking in which in turn car improve overall performance, cooling, as well as gas mileage. An air filter acts much like our lungs and it’s important to keep them in working order. It’s suggested to replace your air filter roughly every 30,000 miles or depending on driving conditions and environment.

5. Check your brakes

If you know what you’re looking for, go for it, otherwise take your car to a shop where a professional mechanic you trust can inspect the pads, wheels, and drums. It’s important for your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road that you maintain your braking system throughout the life of your vehicle. Checking your brakes twice a year is a good rule of thumb and more so if you drive more than the average person. Replacing pads should be done roughly every 25,000 depending on driving habit. Neglecting a brake pad can lead to having to replace the rotor which can be a costly process.

6. Clean the inside and outside of your car

Seems like common sense, but washing your car and keeping a clean interior will help declutter your life and can help with stress. Not to mention, maintaining the visual aesthetic of your vehicle keep the resale value high in case you’re ever in the market for a different vehicle. One tip for the exterior is to apply wax at least every six months to maintain your vehicle’s paint. For the interior, vacuum and use a solution to help protect your interior plastic and rubber.

7. Change spark plugs every 60,000 miles

Spark plugs are essential to your vehicle. In fact, they are what make your vehicle start in the first place. An electrical spark ignites the gasoline and air mixture causing combustion to start your engine. Neglecting these can lead to poor performance and damage to your engine.

8. Signs of rust

Identifying signs of rust, especially under your car, can greatly improve the chances of taking care of it before it spreads and is too late. Salted roads in winter months can lead to rusting under the car and around the exhaust.

9. Engine fluids, belts and hoses

Over time, belts and hoses can dry out causing leaks and inefficiency in other aspects of your car. Sometimes, these leaks are noticeable through a depletion of fluids which leave traces on the ground after a car has been parked. Keep an eye out for any spots as well as any signs or warning lights from the gauges on the car’s dashboard. Furthermore, flushing the radiator, cooling system, and transmission on a regularly scheduled basis will improve car function and longevity.

10. Get regular tune-ups with a trusted mechanic

Not a car guru? That’s ok. Finding a trusted mechanic is one way to stay on top of your vehicle and any issues that may arise.

Did you know that vehicle ownership research says that on average, a vehicle today is 11.4 years old while the average length of time a driver keeps a new vehicle is just 6 years? Whether you’ll be jumping into a new car in 6 years or happily driving your recent purchase, a lot can depend on the upkeep, attention, and maintenance of the vehicle starting today. Our staff at Auto Now in Belton is always excited to talk shop, so stop in anytime if you have questions regarding the maintenance and upkeep of your car.