What Maintenance Should I Do on a Used Car?

There are plenty of reasons you might want a used car. The lower cost alone can allow you to drive confidently knowing that you’ve selected a quality ride within your budget. When you select a used ride, you may also wonder what maintenance may be best to keep your vehicle running for many years. At AutoCenters Herculaneum, we want you to maximize your important investment. Read on to learn more about the preventative maintenance that can help your used vehicle drive smoothly and safely into the future.

What Should You Do When You Buy a Used Car?

When you buy a used car, there are a few steps you can take to immediately set you up for success. You’ll want to check the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule within your ride’s owner’s manual so that you know the best time to bring in your ride for service. An important aspect of this timetable involves calculating how recently the car received maintenance to see if you should schedule another appointment.

For example, if your car’s model requires a certain maintenance procedure every 30,000 miles, but your ride already has 25,000 on it, it may be time to start thinking about bringing it in again. If you aren’t positive, always air on the side of caution and bring in your vehicle as soon as possible. This is especially true if you’re unsure about how the car was stored or wonder about previous owners’ driving habits. Reputable service can give you peace of mind that your ride is running smoothly.

Even as you bring your ride in for various procedures, you should always be observant of any potential issues or concerns that arise as you’re on the road, such as your check engine light coming on. Pay special attention to any strange sounds, smells, or odd driving behaviors that may seem off to you. If your gut tells you that something’s not right, it’s better to get your ride checked by a professional than to let it go.

Preventative Auto Maintenance for Your Used Ride

Engine of 2008 Nissan 350Z NISMO Coupe by Chris F is licensed with CC BY 2.0

While you may already know to bring in your ride when there’s a problem, it’s also important to engage in preventative maintenance that fixes any small issues before they become bigger. Here are a few parts you may want to schedule service for as soon as you can:

Spark Plugs

Your vehicle’s spark plugs provide the jolt of electricity necessary to start your vehicle. They ignite the combustion necessary to get the vehicle rolling, which makes them an important if sometimes overlooked part of your vehicle. Many copper spark plugs last for about 30,000 miles, but some other materials can last up to 100,000. If these parts need a change, a simple fix can get your ride back to new in no time.

Tires

While you may not need to replace your tires, there are some other preventative maintenance procedures that can keep you rolling longer, ultimately saving you money on a replacement. Tire rotating, balancing, and wheel alignment can help ensure that all your tires are performing effectively and evenly. You can even perform a visual inspection of your tires’ tread to examine their wear and see if they’ll be able to handle any bad weather conditions.

Filters

A simple filter replacement can be a quick way to get your car as close to new as possible. Your engine filter, for example, collects debris that might otherwise impact your engine’s combustion process. The cabin filter similarly traps dust and debris particles that could get into your vehicle’s cabin and create a less-than-pleasant environment for your passengers. Consider replacing or cleaning these filters yourself, or you can always bring them to your local mechanic if you need further assistance.

Battery and Oil

You probably already know that your car’s battery gives the charge that gets your ride in gear. Since battery life can vary, you’ll want to check over your owner’s manual to determine the best time to get a replacement. However, keep in mind that some batteries age differently than others, especially in very hot or cold weather. It might be worth it to schedule a simple battery test to avoid becoming stranded without a spark.

You might also want to cross some worries off your list and elect to change your oil and filter as soon as you can. Your manual should describe the desired oil change intervals, but it might be better to start over fresh and begin the countdown again. An often quick and painless procedure, an immediate oil change may be a worthy investment.

Brakes

Of all the parts that you don’t want to fail, brakes are extremely high on the list. Consider replacing your brake fluid immediately to make sure that you always get the best of your brakes’ abilities. Since brake fluid is often susceptible to moisture, a damp location can cause problems before you know anything is wrong.

Transmission

Transmission fluid is the liquid gold that lubricates the bearings in a manual transmission and offers pressure and friction to motivate your automatic to move forward. Many manufacturers recommend changing this fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to avoid any issues. If you’re unsure, though, a quick check and replacement, if necessary, can make sure that your fluid levels stay healthy.

Engine Coolant

An engine’s coolant maintains the longevity of the engine, minimizing expensive fixes down the road. The coolant keeps the engine from overheating, which is something you’d definitely like to avoid. Consider flushing out your cooling system immediately and then replacing it again every three years. You might also want your technician to look at the system’s hoses, lubricants, and rust inhibitors.

When you select a used vehicle from AutoCenters Herculaneum’s impressive inventory, you’re making an investment into your future. To protect that investment, it’s best to schedule some quick and simple preventative maintenance procedures before any issues arise while you and your loved ones are on the road. Have any questions about the used car buying or maintenance procedures? You can always contact us today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff eats, sleeps, and breathes used cars, and we want to do whatever we can to help you feel comfortable in yours.