Buying a brand-new car will seem as wasteful to some; however, it’s undeniable that this approach comes with so many advantages. First of all, buying a brand-new car means that you have a vehicle where you’re guaranteed to be a first owner. Second, it means that your car is still under warranty.
Now, depreciation hits new vehicles hard; as soon as you get them outside of the dealership, it’s already lost a portion of their value. In a year or two, its value may go down by as much as 40%. Still, people with the means to do so, as well as those who want to buy a vehicle as a long-term solution, often go this route.
You see, if you properly maintain a vehicle that’s in mint condition. Regularly take it to a service, keep it protected, and tend to every minor repair as soon as it is required; you can preserve the condition of the car for a while. With that in mind and without further ado, here’s how you can take care of your new car like a pro and reap all the benefits we’ve mentioned.
Break it in gently
The first thing you need to understand is that it takes a while for a brand-new car to be adjusted for the open road. You see, these cars are tested for changing conditions, and all the moving parts are given a bit more space for the sake of maneuverability. It usually takes about 1,000 miles for this to happen, which really isn’t that much.
So, at least during this initial stage, try to avoid transporting heavy loads and speeding. This last part is particularly difficult, seeing as how the vast power of a brand-new car will definitely tempt you.
In general, adopting some healthy driving habits is always a good idea. Be careful when you notice a bumpy road ahead, always look at the revs, and try to cruise as much as possible. It’s crucial that you understand that continuity makes all the difference.
Find the right service
Even in the most resilient, the highest quality vehicle, you’ll need a service every now and again. So, it’s best to find a mechanic, a shop, or a service that you can trust and go there whenever you need something. Remember, when it comes to the quality of service that you get, it’s not about the cost or even the prestige. It’s about a long-term relationship where the other party has proven their expertise over and over again over the course of time.
Moreover, when looking for specialists, you need to inquire about their previous expertise. Looking for someone who specializes in a specific vehicle type, like looking for a Suzuki service center if you’re driving a Suzuki, might be a great idea. Keep in mind that you’ll need their services more than once, so making the right choice chances quite a bit.
Take care of your tires
The condition of your tires affects your wheels and might damage them when driven for too long. The tire pressure affects your fuel economy, but it also affects the pressure that your engine is enduring. Just paying attention to this simple factor can change so much when it comes to the long-term condition of your vehicle.
Also, keep in mind that tires have an expiry date. Now, there are three things that you can look out for. You should change your tires every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Another criterion is time, and you should replace tires every six years (even if you haven’t traversed 50,000 miles yet). The reason behind this is due to the fact that rubber rots in time, and you don’t want to risk it. Now, if you’re a particularly reckless driver, your treads may be worn long before the 50,000 miles/6 years mark. So, if you notice that your tread is worn out, it might need a replacement.
Remember that depending on your wheel’s drive, your front and rear tires may not wear out at the same pace. This is why you might want to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Protect its exterior
One of the most important things you need to do is protect the exterior of your vehicle. This is often overlooked by the layer of dust and smog that falls onto your vehicle has some chemical compounds that will damage the paint. Even bird droppings have acidic components, which is why leaving them too long in the car might not be the best of ideas.
To avoid this, you need to wash your car on a regular basis and even polish its exterior. Needless to say, this is an even greater priority if we’re talking about a brand-new car.
Also, seeing as how you don’t be able to keep your car in a garage or a covered parking lot all the time, you might want to get a car cover to carry in your trunk. This is an inexpensive accessory that is bound to make a world of difference in your car maintenance efforts. As an e-bike rider, you would have the privilege of taking the vehicle with you indoors. As a car owner, you have to go through a bit of extra effort.
In conclusion
In the end, when talking about protecting the value of your car, you need to keep in mind that age (time in your ownership) is not the only factor that you should focus on. Second, it’s important that you understand that preserving value doesn’t always mean keeping the resale value high. The condition of your car affects both the driving experience and the overall safety of the vehicle. As such, it should never be underestimated and of course it goes without saying that investing in a car insurance is always the first step when safety is your concern.
READ MORE
- What are the benefits of using an e-bike in daily use?
- The sensible Pinoy – Getting the best value when buying a car
- The importance of regular car servicing
- What to look out for when purchasing car insurance
