Will Your Current Vehicle Last 10 Years?

It’s official, Americans are keeping their vehicles  longer. Maybe it’s because of uncertainty about the economy, or because manufacturers are making better cars, but the fact is that the average American is keeping his or her car for more than a decade now. The average car on the road is 11 years old and nearly 8 out of 10 drivers plan on keeping their next car for at least 10 years as well.

What does it take to keep a car running smoothly for a decade? It may be  easier than you think. Whether you prefer to spend the weekend taking care of your car at home, or feel better letting a certified mechanic handle the tune-ups and repairs, there are more resources than ever both online and inside garages to help you keep your car running smoothly down the road.

The following 3 secrets will help you stay on top of your car’s care to keep you on the road instead of on the side.

1. Know your mileage checkpoints.  Each vehicle has slightly different manufacturer’s specifications for service checks. Find yours in your vehicle’s manual to know what mileage markers your car will need a check-up and which components of your car will need to be watched carefully.

2. Ask a friend to drive. While you drive your car every day and are accustomed to what you call its “quirks,” your friend will be able to tell if something feels wrong. Ask them to look for soft brakes, your steering wheel pulling to either side, funny noises, or anything unusual.

3.  Make the time preform  the following: 

• Tire check
• Exterior light check
• Wiper blade check
• Under hood inspection:
  • Battery
  • Battery cables
  • Air filter
  • Belts
  • Hoses
  • Fluids
• Under car inspection:
  • Brakes
  • Steering and suspension
  • Drive axles

Preventive maintenance is without question the most effective and least expensive way to keep your car running for a decade or longer. Regular automotive checks can help prevent costly repairs in the future and keep your car and its passengers safe. However, sometimes repairs are unavoidable, so set aside money each month in case of emergencies. Smart planning along with proactive, preventive maintenance can keep your car running smoothly and safely down the road, and that’s worth a fortune.

At Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales- We perform a thorough inspection of all our vehicles before the are ready to be sold to our customers.