Whether you are investing in a luxury car, or just want to save money and maintain your vehicle as long as possible, there are many steps you can take to make that happen. With the right knowledge, you can extend the lifespan of your car, while keeping it running and fixing costs to a minimum.
Related: Buying a luxury car for the first time? Check out these key tips
Here are some top tips to get you started.
Look after the battery
If you use your car regularly, then you are keeping your battery in good condition without any additional work. If, however, you have a luxury car and you do not drive it very often, then you will need to take extra steps to maintain its condition.
If you have to keep jump starting the car, then you are going to put unnecessary strain on the battery and damage its delicate internal wiring. Instead, try and drive your car at least once per week. Alternatively, you can invest in a trickle charger that will keep your battery topped up accordingly.
Drive sensibly
It is easy to want to show off your car, pump your adrenaline, and have a little fun. However, this will not help your car in the long run. First, it is important to learn about your vehicle and understand better how it works, so that when operating your vehicle, you can do so within its own limits.
This will help you to maintain the internal components much better, and for a longer period. It will also enable your fuel to last longer. The less aggressive you are with your driving, the fewer repair bills you will have to endure.
Investing in a luxury car: Regularly change your car filters and fluids
It is important to change both the air filter and oil filter, regularly. This is because, over time, they will become clogged. Make sure you keep it clean, and only replace it with high-quality filters, as cheap filters can damage your engine.
Your fluids also need to be reviewed and topped up regularly. The fluids in your car are vital for a functioning engine and should be checked at least every two weeks. Remove the dipstick in your vehicle, wipe it with an old rag, and then dip it into the oil. From here, you can check that the oil level is above the minimum, and below the maximum level. If it is not, then you will need to fix this as soon as possible. If the color of the oil is dark or dirty, then you should also consider replacing it.
You should look at the coolant reservoir as well as the oil, and ensure it is topped up with 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled water.
Take it for a regular service
A regular service will help you deal with big problems, such as when you need to change a Ferrari timing belt, before they turn into irreversible issues with financial consequences. You don’t need to wait until a warning light comes on, a regular service will ensure your car is in top condition and help to prolong its life. Professional mechanics will be able to review your car, including the internal components, and catch any issues.
Maintaining your car is much cheaper, and hassle-free, than ignoring problems and letting them weaken.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
