Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) win the favor of many car owners, and why not? These beasts are durable vehicles, making them the best fit for road trips and harsh driving condition. Just merely looking at them makes you feel safer than when you are in a smaller car. However, a bigger car comes with a heavier price—literally. SUVs are expensive cars and maintaining them is just as pricey. Hence, it’s very important to take care of your SUV to prevent further damage and save you a lot of money.
The following are tips for maintaining an SUV.
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Save some budget for repair and maintenance.
As mentioned above, taking care of an SUV may be a little more expensive than taking care of a smaller car. Repairs are especially pricey, so set aside some money for some unforeseeable repairs. Have an agreement set up with a trusted auto repair center and see if you can manage to avail discounts.
Remember to choose one trusted auto repair center. This will prevent you from repeating unnecessary work as they record your repairs in a log.
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Schedule your SUV’s maintenance.
Regularly having your SUV checked will save you a lot of money for repairs. The service center may be able to spot aspects of your car that need to be maintained which you might have missed.
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Check your engine oil regularly.
Engine oil is necessary to keep the car’s engine running efficiently. Remember that car oil turned black does not necessarily mean it’s dirty and needs replacing. It’s also not practical to keep changing oil every 3,000 miles. Every car has different needs; what works for one may not work for the other. It’s best to refer to your SUV’s manual to know when the oil needs to be replaced. Keeping this in mind will save you unnecessary expenses.
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Check your tires.
If you’re always on the road, you may already know that your tires’ condition is crucial for smooth driving. Generally, tires with plenty of grip are perfect for SUVs for optimum performance on and off the road. These tires will help you get through harsh road conditions. It’s best to check your tires for air pressure or wear and tear. Low tire pressure will save you fuel—something you will want for a car that drinks up gasoline.
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Keep your tank at least half full.
As previously stated, SUVs are beasts that burn fuel quickly. Therefore, it’s best to always check your tank before you head out to the road.
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Check your lights and signals.
These are very important parts of your SUV as they keep you safe especially during night driving. Wipe them clean with a wet cloth or toothpaste to keep them bright and clear. Also check that your headlights are properly aimed at the right direction for greater visibility.
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Cover your SUV’s body with protective film.
SUV owners should place a protective wax over their car’s body to shield it from changing weather conditions. This will prevent excessive heat from the sun or rain from damaging your car’s paint. This protective film is like a sunscreen. If you often let your SUV sit under the sun for too long, this is your best bet for keeping your car’s “skin” protected.
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Lastly, drive safely.
Icy and wet road conditions are to watch out for. Always keep in mind that there are many cars in the road with you—big and small—and everyone’s safety needs to be put first.
Written by Marc Laferierre, owner of Dents Unlimited. Dents Unlimited has the best auto repair Columbia MO has to offer, where their expert staff can get your car back on the road in no time.
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