Some people think of springtime as the time of year to change things up. Whether it’s a thorough cleaning, a color change or time to replace older items in our lives, spring is a perfect opportunity for a fresh start.
Spring also signifies the start to a new driving season. It’s the perfect time to have your vehicle detailed to wash away the nasty remnants of a long winter, or to service or replace that vehicle. Below are things to consider while making the decision on what to do with your current vehicle, especially in the current economy.
If you are keeping your current vehicle, regardless of its age, plan to have the maintenance performed according to the mileage as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Have a complete detail performed inside and out, including the undercarriage, to remove road salt. If any body work is needed, be sure to contact your collision service provider as soon as possible. Some automotive parts are still hard to source and may need extra time to receive. And due to the shortage of new vehicles, auto repair shops are very busy servicing older vehicles, so do not wait to schedule any services that are needed.
If you are in the market for a new car or truck, be careful and do your homework. The costs of used vehicles are at an all-time high, and new vehicle inventory is at an all-time low. If you are looking for a pre-owned vehicle, be sure to have it checked out by your auto service provider. The main concerns for used vehicles are rust, fluid leaks and a comprehensive computer scan for faults or a recent code erasure. If you plan on buying a new car or truck, start looking ASAP! It’s almost unbelievable how low the current inventory is at some auto dealerships, and some are limiting new orders due to raw material shortages.
Unless you are driving a fully electric car, be diligent in having the engine oil checked regularly, especially in newer vehicles. The new high-tech engines require very thin oil, which causes a very high oil consumption rate. The oil light on most vehicles measures oil pressure and may not come on even with a low oil condition, while others have oil level sensors and will alert the driver to low oil conditions. Consult your owner’s manual to see which type you have.
No matter what vehicle you drive this season, as always, check your tire pressure, keep your fluids filled and follow all safety precautions.
Have a happy and safe spring, Neighbors!
