Car Maintenance is crucial for safety and resale values so there is never a good reason to skimp on it writes Suzanne Keane
According to research carried out by Kwik Fit in the UK one in 5 car owners have skipped maintenance or repairs in the past 12 months. However, this phenomenon can also be found in Ireland!
While it may be tempting to hold out on regular servicing if you feel you can save a few cent in the long run it could end up costing you money!
If your bank balance just can’t handle a big service bill straight away be sure to concentrate on safety items first – tyres, brakes and suspension are what keeps your car on the road and should be treated as priority items.
A regular check-up could discover issues before they become a major problem – i.e. change timing belt before it snaps or replacing worn brake pads before they damage your brake discs. It’s also important to get your battery tested so you don’t get caught out unexpectedly.
Even cosmetic items which seem minor can turn into an expensive repair – the paintwork on that small dent will eventually flake away leading to a rust problem!
Skipping or delaying servicing may also hurt the resale value of your car as a savvy buyer will always ask to look at the service record! As tempting as it may be to avoid any maintenance that’s due when it comes time to sell your car it may give buyers the impression that the vehicle hasn’t been cared for over its lifetime and could reduce the final sale price.
At a minimum you should be servicing your car on an annual basis, even if you don’t cover many kms. If you’re constantly on the road make a planned service schedule well in advance to ensure that your car is getting the correct care at a time that suits you.
Suzanne Keane
