If there is one thing that technology did for the car industry, it’s the fact that modern vehicles are more reliable today than it was a decade ago. Indeed, most contemporary vehicle models can easily last beyond the 200,000-mile mark with proper care and maintenance. For Kia owners around Albuquerque, this is certainly good news, as it means that they can drive their cars longer. There’s also the side benefit of saving a significant amount of money, since you don’t have to buy a new vehicle every 100,000 miles or so.
For this reason, Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM are more than happy to share some helpful tips on how to keep your car running smoothly for longer.
Buy a reliable vehicle.
According to Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM, the first thing to do to ensure that your vehicle will last long is to buy a model with an excellent reliability record. This means conducting some comprehensive research and relying on data from organizations like the NHTSA on safety ratings. It also doesn’t hurt to choose a vehicle that you are willing to drive for as long as possible. When shopping for a Kia, choose a model with features that make driving more enjoyable
Follow a rigid maintenance schedule.
The car owner’s manual usually spells out the schedule of oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance services. It is also recommended that you visit a mechanic whenever a problem, no matter how minor, occurs. This is to ensure that the problem won’t get worse as time goes by.
However, it is entirely possible to fall into the pitfall of over-maintenance. For Kia drivers near Albuquerque, this meant being wary of dealers and shops who offer maintenance services that are not specifically called for in the owner’s manual.
Over-maintenance includes too frequent fluid changes and filter replacements, or using additives that were not recommended by the manufacturer. When you over-maintain your vehicle, you only add to your expenses with no measurable benefit (i.e. the ‘special’ additive did not visibly enhance your engine’s performance).
Regularly inspect all major parts (plus other items).
You don’t have to wait for your scheduled visit to a Kia dealership to check your car if it’s still roadworthy. Make it a habit to inspect your tires, belts, and your car’s fluids before going out for a drive. Tires must be properly inflated to reduce the possibility of an accident. Tire pressure inspection should also include your spare, since it is entirely possible to lose some tire pressure even when the tire is not in use.
Aside from tires, you should also inspect if your car’s fluids are still at acceptable levels and if your belts and hoses are still free of any signs of wear and tear. A simple inspection can tell you if you need to visit your mechanic for a part replacement or a fluid change.
Lastly, don’t forget to check other items like air filter and wiper blades. A faulty wiper blade can cause window streaks, which in turn can lead to accidents especially when your driving in bad weather conditions. Air filters, on the other hand, needs to be replaced at least twice a year.
Check out Fiesta Kia for more tips on how you can enjoy driving your car a lot longer.
