Rev-up Your Car Maintenance Game To Save Money and Increase Value

Better Than New

00:00 - OPEN - Rev-up You Car Maintenance Game to Save Money and Increase Value

New and used cars are more expensive than ever, so if you don’t want to spend a lot to replace your current vehicle, the strategies and tips in this episode will help you keep it in good running condition longer and looking its best.

00:50 - INTRO - Keep Your Current Used Car in Top Shape so It's Worth More When You Eventually Sell or Trade-in

If you have been thinking about replacing your current car, but you’re not sure what you want, I would advise you to reconsider that strategy for the time being and focus instead on stepping up your maintenance game so your car lasts longer and costs you less in the long run to drive and maintain.

Also, keeping your current car in good condition will allow you to get more for it when you eventually trade it in or sell it down the road.

03:20 - THE BASICS - Stay On Top Of Fluid Changes

• Regular engine oil changes are critical
• Use the correct oil for you car
• Coolant flush
• Brake fluid flush
• Transmission fluid
• Differential fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Use quality gasoline

09:25 - ON-GOING MAINTENANCE - Deferred Maintenance is for Dummies

• Tune-ups
• Timing belt and water pump replacement
• Brake pads and rotors
• Tire replacement
• Alignment
• Buy a cheap OBD II Scanner to diagnose trouble codes

13:45 - Keep A List Of Scheduled Maintenance Items And Make Routine Checks of Oil, Tire Pressure, Etc.

• Keep a list of maintenance items and when they are due next
• Check oil, washer fluid and brake fluid at fill-ups
• Buy a good pressure gauge or a tire pump with a gauge
• Pick a day and time each week to check your tire pressure and look at tire tread wear
• On the same day, check your windshield wipers and clean your windows

16:50 - DRESS FOR SUCCESS - Spend Time Each Week To Keep Your Car Clean

• Interior
• Exterior
• Repair broken, bent or dented parts

19:05 - PAIN AT THE PUMP - Strategies To Maximize Fuel Economy

• Tune ups
• Tire pressure
• Alignment
• Double up on trips (do you need to go?)
• Plan your urban trips for right hand turns (clock-wise circle)
• UPS uses this strategy to save 10-million gallons of fuel each year
• Take off the bike rack and rocket box! Mine cost me about 3-mpg on the freeway.

23:00 - CLOSE

Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe and follow Better Than New on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Also, be sure to catch the next episode on the 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 V8 Coupe