Proper Auto Maintenance Increases The Lifespan Of Your Car And Saves You Money In The Long Run In the days when cars were truly mechanical, not 'enhanced' with computerized systems, people were, for the most part, sticklers on auto maintenance. A car was still considered to be a luxury item and a major investment that should last for at least twenty years! Changing the oil, maintaining proper tire inflation and getting tune-ups regularly was standard operating procedure. Back then, people often maintained their own cars. Car designs then were fairly straightforward. The engine compartment wasn't jam-packed, so the car owner could actually reach parts easily, to remove, repair or replace the auto part in question. A basic tool kit was enough for most auto maintenance tasks. Car owners took pride in their well maintained auto. As a result, the family car lasted a very long time. Perhaps the auto makers noticed this factor, which was great for their reputations, but didn't do much for the yearly revenue. Enter planned obsolescence. Auto components were redesigned, such that the expected life became shorter. The new starters, alternators and solenoids which used to last at least 10 years, now gave out after just five. During the 1960s, the metal used for the body started getting a little thinner, year by year. Then came electronic gadgetry and computerized systems. All of these factors contributed to a shortened lifespan and more repairs the average Joe couldn't do on his own. Owner-performed auto maintenance took a dive. Repair shops flourished. New car sales soared. The family car underwent a subtle shift in perception by consumers. Car makers began making radical changes in body styles, marking the older car as worn out and old fashioned. The car became a status symbol and people began to trade in their old car for a better looking vehicle, to impress the neighbors. At about the same time, proper auto maintenance started to fall by the wayside. After all, if you were only going to keep the car for five years, good, regular auto maintenance seemed not so necessary. As late as 1970, you could buy a brand new car for about $2500. With gas prices at 28 cents a gallon, you could fill the tank for about $4. The small, lighter weight car could take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles on that single tank! This encouraged an attitude of the disposable car, while discouraging car owners to take that auto maintenance schedule seriously. Today, an ordinary, no-frills car can easily run $15,000. Most people need to finance the vehicle for anywhere from 3 to 5 years, paying hefty interest charges and taking a huge hit on the initial value by the time they decide to trade it in, as it develops problems that are so costly, it's better to just ditch it than keep it. The computerized components are the major reason that much of your auto maintenance now needs a professional repair. So what's the moral to this story on proper auto maintenance? It's essential that your auto maintenance schedule stays on track. Whatever tasks you can do yourself should be performed like clockwork. Unlike the cars of old, your current vehicle's engine will suffer damage in a short period of time if your oil is not changed. Be sure to make a weekly check of antifreeze, battery and brake fluids. Keeping your tires properly inflated will save you from having to prematurely replace those tires. Scope out the local auto parts and accessories stores for best prices, before you need a repair. If you're at all handy with a wrench, check out the auto repair forums and see what you can learn to save money in the future. Before buying a new car, check consumer reports for reliability. Sometimes, that auto repair warranty is not worth the cost, as the major repairs don't come along until the warranty has expired. If a repair at the shop is required, get at least two auto repair estimates. Proper auto maintenance is so important. Don't let minor problems slide. Your car will last longer, retain better value and you'll save money in the long run. Summary Proper auto maintenance is the best way to save time and money for vehicles that are going to be kept and used for a long time. Todays cars need professional care for high tech gadget problems, but chores like changing the oil and checking the antifreeze can be done from home. Related Articles Check Engine Light Car Wash Equipment Related Sites