Why are people keeping vehicles longer?
It does not take a mathematician to see that the cost of replacing a vehicle is at its all-time high. The problem can be blamed on inflation and the availability of new vehicles and the argument of the cause is irrelevant. Many people are keeping their vehicles longer because they are concerned that when the availability issues get resolved that the inflated cost of a new or used car will be seen in their checkbooks.
How much longer can I get out of my current vehicle?
Irv Gordon, a retired science teacher from Patchogue, N.Y., proves you can keep your car on the road a long time. The 78-year-old has put a world record of more than 3 million miles on his 1966 Volvo P1800, the equivalent of 120 times around the world. The true answer to that question can only be answered by you, and your driving and maintenance habits. The better you take care of your vehicle, the longer it lasts, no matter what it is. It is not only oil changes, although those are necessary, but every fluid, and beyond. Loose belts can cause components to not operate as efficiently as they should, and not only the belts you can see when you pop your hood, but the one you cannot see, that is more important than you would think. Timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles if it is a belt, or every 100,000 miles if it is a timing chain. Keeping up on your preventive maintenance with your transmission is as important as keeping up on your oil. Many skip replacing air filters but did you know that a clogged air filter could reduce your gas economy by as much as 24%?
But what about the other components under the hood?
It is a given that there could be issues in the future with components like a starter or a fuel pump, but in comparison to replacing the whole car, these types of repairs are pennies on the dollar in cost. You should always replace parts with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts if possible, when you consider the original part you are replacing and how long it lasted, the cost difference makes perfect sense. Many people become concerned about if their car will be dependable or becoming a risk of breaking down often, if this is your concern then you should book an appointment with RnG Towing and Recovery auto repair specialist to have an evaluation done to make an educated decision. The answer to that question is also answered about the overall shape including frame, body, and undercarriage.
What if I bought my car used?
You do not have to be the original owner to start taking care of your vehicle. It does not matter if it is a 25-year-old Dodge or a 3-year-old Ford, it is not too late to start. Taking care of check engine lights, and other warning lights should be handled as soon as possible.
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