If you’ve been driving an older vehicle for quite some time, no one will blame you for dreaming about a new car. But with today’s high prices for new AND used cars, buying a new or new-to-you vehicle could be more like a nightmare.
So, if buying a newer vehicle doesn’t fit into your budget right now, how can you get the most life and miles out of your older vehicle? We’re glad you asked!
3 Tips to Help You Make An Older Vehicle Last Longer
1. Follow a regular preventative maintenance schedule.
If you’ve been to our Tempe auto repair shop, you already know that this is one of our favorite tips for every person who owns or operates a vehicle. But it’s especially true if you own or drive an older vehicle.
Every vehicle comes with a set of maintenance items that are recommended by its manufacturer. That makes sense, right? The people who made the vehicle should know how long its parts are meant to last. They also know how well those parts and systems stand up to typical driving conditions.
For more specific advice that relates to your vehicle, its current condition, and your typical driving habits and environment, talk to your trusted mechanic. They will be able to combine manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules with how your car’s currently performing to help you keep it running smoothly. Preventative maintenance is also a great way to catch minor problems before they become big, expensive ones.
2. Pay attention to warranties.
If you’re driving an older vehicle, it’s likely that the standard manufacturer warranty has already expired. However, you may have purchased an extended warranty when you first got the vehicle. If you did, pay attention to what’s covered and what’s not. If you’re facing a potentially expensive repair, you may be able to save a significant amount of money if the repair is a covered warranty item. Just know that many warranties cover parts but not necessarily the labor to diagnose or repair the problem.
At Good Works Auto Repair, we offer one of the best warranties in the automotive industry – a 5 year/60,000 mile warranty on parts and labor for major repairs. We’re able to stand behind our work because we use quality parts and state-of-the-art technology, follow industry standards for auto repairs, and hire the best automotive technicians who are also ASE-certified.
3. Pros and cons of major repairs on an older vehicle.
Even with today’s high prices for new and used cars, it doesn’t always make sense to repair a vehicle instead of replacing it with a newer model. The ultimate decision is usually based on how expensive the needed repair is, how much your car is worth, and what other repairs have been completed recently. When you combine all of these factors, you’ll have the big picture and you can see whether repairing your older vehicle makes financial sense.
Expert Auto Repairs For Your New or Older Vehicle In Tempe, AZ
At Good Works Auto Repair, we love ALL vehicles … new cars, old cars, and everything in between! While new vehicles may be more luxurious or glamorous, we’re big proponents of keeping your older vehicle running as safely as possible because you can save a significant amount of money by doing so. That’s why we offer a wide variety of auto repair and maintenance services as well as an industry-leading warranty.
If you need help keeping YOUR older vehicle on the road and running smoothly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Rated as one of Tempe’s top 3 auto repair shops, we take pride in our work, and our friendly staff goes out of their way to make your repair and maintenance experience as flawless as possible.
Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
