Q: What are the most important things to do to maintain my new car?
A: You've spent months painstakingly researching that one vehicle with just the right engine, perfomance and sleekness that you want. You carefully drive it off the lot, protecting it from any knicks that debris on the road might inflict. This is your baby and you will go to great lengths to take care of it. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to get the most out of your investment.
Dealer service history
Every car comes with a service book that details when or at what mileage your car is due for a service. Your higher-end car will most likely have an automatic countdown on the instrument panel and have a free service plan built into the sale price, which certainly makes dealer servicing very attractive.
A full and authentic service history tells the next owner that you have taken care of the car properly. It also ensures that not only will the car remain as reliable as possible, but it will also be fixed for free in the event of a car recall for a specific problem. Once you move out of the dealer’s network, the auto company can lose track of you and may not be able to alert you to recalls.
Use correct fuel
We know you will be on top of determining which fuel grade your beauty requires. Others might save money by buying lower-grade fuel, but doing so can mean lower engine performance and possible damage to their engines. Fuel with an ethanol mix might also not be compatible with your car, as it can degrade seals in the car’s fuel and engine systems. Of course, we know you'd never do that to your baby.
Wheel alignment
You car’s wheels are designed to be aligned in an exact direction when on the road, and even a soft bump on a curb can cause the settings to get out of spec. Getting a regular wheel alignment means that your tires will last longer, you will use less fuel, and your car will drive much better.
Paint care
Car paint these days is pretty tough – it consists of several layers of paint, topped off by a clearcoat that protects the paint and gives the car its luxurious shine. It’s the clearcoat that you have to care for, so keeping your car as clean as possible is important.
When you clean your car, use a reputable brand of car care products. Use them following the instructions exactly, and remember the secret to taking care of paint is to use the gentlest means possible to apply each product (no hard brushes, for example). Follow these simple measures and your car will thank you for it. Of course, you can always bring it in to 3 Birds Auto for a thorough cleaning as well.
