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Car buyers are spending more than ever before to purchase new vehicles. According to Experian Automotive, the average loan for a new car in 2014 was $27,000, and the average monthly car payment inched above $500 in 2015. With Americans forking over so much money to own a new car, making those purchases last as long as possible is becoming a high priority. Keeping a vehicle in tip-top condition can help that high-cost product--your car--last for years after the last car payment is sent to the bank. And for those who like the look and feel of a new car every few years, maintaining your vehicle means higher resale or trade-in value. From oil changes to tires, in Newark, NJ, car owners know it’s just smart business to keep their cars running and running well. Though car maintenance isn’t cheap, it’s a big money saver in the long run. Here are some car maintenance tips to help your car maintain its value and its ability to shuffle your family from home to work to practice and back again for years to come. Check and Change the Oil Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you should change your oil. However, if you’ve lost or never owned your car’s manual, experts generally suggest oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles. Some manufacturer’s suggest oil changes every 7,500 miles or so. However, if you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you regularly drive in stop-and-go traffic, drive in extreme hot or cold conditions regularly or drive on a lot of dirt roads, your car probably requires an oil change closer to the 3,000-mile mark. Also, experts suggest that older vehicles and vehicles with more miles on them have more frequent oil changes than newer vehicles with lower mileage. Flush the Cooling System Every 2 Years Engines are filled with aluminum components. These components, like engine blocks, cylinder heads and water pumps, corrode when water or moisture is introduced to them. Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant annually or at least every 2 years. This will prevent corrosion and prevent deposit buildup within the cooling system. Avoid the Sun The sun’s UV rays cause damage to more than just human skin. These rays can also wreak havoc on a vehicle. To protect your costly investment from sun damage, park your car in the shade or in a garage whenever possible. You can also use a window deflector shade or window tinting and apply a protectant to the car’s vinyl and plastic parts to mitigate drying and fading caused by the sun. Replace Tires When Needed This is a safety precaution as well as a car maintenance necessity. When a car rides on uneven, worn tires day after day, that can create vibrations in the car that can rattle and shake engine components, creating additional wear and tear. Experts suggest changing tires when tread wear bars become flush with the tire tread. Experts also recommend doing a penny test. Place a penny upside down into the tire tread. If Lincoln’s forehead is visible, there’s still some life left in the tires. However, if the top of Lincoln’s head disappears beneath the tire tread, it’s time to replace the tires in Newark, NJ. Even if the tread is thick and the tires appear to be in decent shape, experts recommend replacing tires at a bare minimum of once every 6 years. For most families, a car purchase is one of the costliest investments they’ll make next to their homes and college educations. It only makes sense to protect that investment by keeping a car running as well as possible for as long as possible.
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