The quality and regularity of vehicle maintenance is essential for its longevity. An expert gives you seven tips to follow to the letter to give yourself every chance of riding with peace of mind for as long as possible.
A recent report from the Central Technical Body (OTC) revealed that the French vehicle fleet was increasingly old, based on the number of technical inspections which must be carried out every year, after the date from the very first. Understand from this that the French keep the use of their car longer than before, namely on average 12 and a half years compared to a little more than 11 years in 2014. Obviously, “the older the vehicle, the higher the rate counter-visit increases”, we stipulate. “Private vehicles four years old and under have a counter-inspection rate of 4.2% (including 0.14% already in critical failure), this result peaks at 25% for vehicles over ten years old,” reveals the study.
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The high number of counter-visits suggests that many owners are subject to fees that are not always anticipated. Indeed, maintaining an expensive vehicle can be particularly expensive when several major parts need to be changed, beyond the obligations linked to technical inspection. The various insurance companies estimate that the average annual maintenance is 1,600 euros, not counting unforeseen events… This is why it is important to take care of your car to give yourself every chance of keeping it for as long as possible while limiting expenses. .
Reduce costs in the long term
Fixter experts who specialize in automobile servicing and oil changes provide seven tips to avoid going to the garage too often, “by adopting good daily habits and practicing preventive actions”, they say. We therefore invite you to “optimize the performance” of the vehicle, “extend its lifespan” and ultimately “save on repairs”. Starting with r“comply with the maintenance schedule”, that is to say by regularly checking the level of all the vehicle’s fluids, that of the brakes and cooling, then by taking a look at the belts, the spark plugs, and the filters. “These checks extend the lifespan of vehicles and ensure their proper functioning,” specify the specialists.
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They therefore recommend using “high quality” oil and filters: “good oil and efficient filters guarantee optimal lubrication and retain debris”. Additionally, flushing the engine from time to time and using fuel additives both removes accumulated dirt and cleans the injectors to improve combustion. Once again, these actions make it possible to better prevent possible repairs which could prove costly. This is the case for replacing the timing belt, which is best replaced on time according to the manufacturer’s “recommendations”. Replace the timing belt on time: follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. “This prevents overheating and internal engine damage, which can be very costly.” When the timing belt loosens, it can cause more or less serious engine failure and the invoice can display up to four digits before the decimal point…
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Wheel alignment and gearbox durability
Fixter also emphasizes the importance of correcting wheel alignment. “When replacing tires, we ensure that the wheel alignment is correct. Poor alignment causes wear
premature damage to the tires, steering and suspension”, specify the automotive experts, who cannot emphasize enough that it is necessary to regularly maintain the gearbox as well. “A regular change of transmission fluids can prevent problems such as difficult gear changes or slippage. This avoids costly repairs in the long term”, they specify. Last, but not least, they suggest changing the discs at the same time as the brake pads in order to avoid lowering the performance of the car and avoid damage. squealing noises. “This guarantees optimal braking,” we conclude.
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As the government points out on the website of the Road safety, it is entirely possible to carry out vehicle maintenance yourself. “No regulations exist regarding the maintenance of the car apart from the technical inspection. If in doubt, you can contact the approved organizations in France”, it is nevertheless specified.
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