Car Maintenance | How To Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle

Man Wiping Down And Cleaning A Car

Sierra Blanca Motors has served residents throughout Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding communities for more than 50 years. Our staff of certified technicians knows the ins and outs of many makes and models, including Jeep, RAM, and Chevrolet. Our team offers unparalleled car maintenance services and will help you extend the life of your vehicle.

When you buy a car, you’re investing in your future and relying on it to help you get to work, school, and vacation with the family. Vehicle maintenance is a must in order to extend the life of your vehicle and protect that investment. The caring team at Sierra Blanca Motors has the tools and know-how to keep your vehicle in peak condition, whether you want to keep it or someday trade for a newer model.

Interior Car Maintenance Ruidoso, NM

Any car maintenance checklist should include steps to preserve the vehicle’s interior. You spend a lot of time inside your car, and it can quickly become dirty or cluttered. By keeping a clean interior, you can feel at peace inside your vehicle and never worry about feeling embarrassed when someone gets in. Upkeep will also help preserve its value, especially when it comes to leather and interior trim.

Here are some ways you can maintain the inside of your vehicle:

  • Keep a small bin for trash and empty it often.
  • Vacuum the floor and seats weekly.
  • Clean upholstered seats with a carpet steamer, or use specialized products for leather seating. 
  • Wipe down hard surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
  • Use a sunshade to preserve your dashboard.

Mechanical Car Maintenance Ruidoso, NM

The mechanical aspect of car and truck maintenance is what will maximize the vehicle’s performance over time. Though your car maintenance schedule should include long-term care, there are tasks you should complete routinely to prevent serious problems from arising. 

Some of the features a short-term car check-up will cover include:

  • Air Filter: Your engine’s air filter prevents particles from clogging the system. Replacing a dirty filter will improve gas usage and maximize engine performance.
  • Oil: Motor oil lubricates moving metal components to reduce wear and tear from friction. The oil should be free of debris, so your car may need an oil change every three months or every 3,000 miles.
  • Tires: Tires with proper inflation and adequate tread depth make rides smoother and improve fuel economy. Every month, inspect your tires to ensure that none are over or under-inflated.

Long-term car maintenance not only improves ride quality immediately but also prevents expensive repairs. For instance, every 50,000 miles, the shocks, and struts will need a professional inspection to ensure that the vehicle can handle bumps in the road. You will also need to check and change your transmission fluid to prevent costly engine repair or replacement.

Exterior Car Maintenance Ruidoso, NM

Keeping your vehicle in good shape also includes exterior car maintenance. This starts by washing your car frequently to preserve its appearance and value.

Exposure to airborne pollutants and other contaminants like pollen, road salt, and dirt can damage the paint finish. Each week, your car will need a thorough washing to remove impurities that could affect the paint job. 

Waxing the vehicle every six months will further enhance the car’s appearance. A waxy coating will keep the car shiny and attractive while minimizing the effects of environmental factors. Car wax also prevents rust from forming after exposure to rain.

Sierra Blanca Motors | Helping Extend the Life Of Your Vehicle Ruidoso, NM

Car maintenance is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership. While you can certainly handle weekly tasks like waxing or trash removal, turn to the experts at Sierra Blanca Motors in Ruidoso, NM, for all of your more extensive maintenance needs.  

In addition to a vast inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles from leading manufacturers, we also have a comprehensive service department that will handle everything from oil changes to tire sales. With us, there’s no need to search online for a “car service near me.” 

Contact our team today at (575) 213-5439 to discuss your automotive needs.