Having all of the records makes getting a used vehicle certified easier, and at less cost to the dealer; therefore, a higher price may be offered at trade-in time.
Any automotive repair facility can handle most of the routine. Check local shops for details on what they would charge to perform these routine services.
Most vehicles today include some maintenance reminder lights that warn the driver that service is due. Some of these lights use a computer program to determine when the oil should be changed based on the number of starts, duration of the trip, outside air temperature and other variables.
To be sure that the vehicle is being serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended intervals and doing the services suggested, you could take the owner’s manual to the shop and point out the services that need to be done. Some of the items that may need to be changed or serviced include:
- Oil and oil filter change
- Air filter replacement
- Cabin filter replacement
- Transmission fluid change
- Differential fluid change
- Antifreeze changed
- Brake fluid changed
I realize that these services may cost a lot of money, but it is wise to maintain the investment in your vehicle. In a way, the vehicle dealers are performing a service by publishing the cost for each service so that the cost can be budgeted and planned for in advance. Considering the other costs involved in vehicle ownership, the cost of routine maintenance is relatively low.
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