Postponed Check-ups lead to Expensive Procedures
Preventative Care is a Key Step for Healthy Vehicles
Tough economic times might tempt vehicle owners to delay seemingly minor service and repairs. But saving a few dollars today can be very costly in the long run.
“Sometimes a customer is skeptical about the urgency of a recommended repair.” Explained Jim Grove, Service Director at Dick Scott Dodge. “Yet, several affordable services are key to maintaining vehicle safety, efficiency and performance while preventing costly repairs down the road.”
Service advisors at Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth cite a recent report by U.S. News and World Report “6 Car Repairs You Can’t Afford to Skip” as an important list for helping vehicle owners prioritize the maintenance needs of their vehicles.
The magazine identifies worn brake pads, oil changes, air filters, transmission fluid leaks, burned out lights and clogged fuel filters as the six important vehicle car items that should not be postponed.
For example, replacing a dirty air filter can cost as little as $15.00. But if a dirty air filter prevents the engine from getting enough air, spark plugs can fail. Replacing the spark plugs is a significantly more expensive repair costing up to $300, depending on the engine.
During a routine inspection, the service department at Dick Scott Dodge will check to see if the vehicle needs any factory-recommended service actions. Often, these services and repairs are performed at no cost.
Another free service for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Trucks vehicles is computer software updates. Using Chrysler Group LLC’s unique wiTECH tool, service technicians can identify any software updates available and make revisions within minutes. Modern vehicles contain sophisticated computer programs that benefit from occasional updates, similar to personal computers, to keep vehicle and features operating their best.
“In addition to having your vehicle inspected by a factory-trained service technician, there are several simple steps owners can take to prepare their vehicle for fall and winter,” said Grove.
- Check tire pressure: Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. If the vehicle is not equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system, check on or near the driver’s-side door for the correct pressure. Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent.
- Inspect wiper blades: Streaking, limited visibility, blade tearing or noisy wiper blade operations are the telltale signs that wipers need replacing.
- Prepare for snow removal: Put snow scrapers and brushes in the vehicle before the first snow of the season.
- Pack an emergency kit: Drivers can prepare their own or purchase a safety kit from Mopar that includes a safety flashlight, fleece blanket, six-gage jumper cables, safety triangle, screwdrivers, pliers, two bungee cords and gloves.
“Drivers should always check their owner’s manual for complete information on service and maintenance schedules,” Grove added.
About Dick Scott Dodge
Dick Scott Dodge is an authorized new vehicle dealer affiliated with Chrysler Group LLC and sells new Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles; they also have a large selection of Pre-owned vehicles available in all makes and models. Chrysler Group LLC was formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group and produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car, Ram Truck, Mopar and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. Dick Scott Dodge provides service for all Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Vehicles, as well as ALL other makes & models.
Preventative Care is a Key Step for Healthy Vehicles
Tough economic times might tempt vehicle owners to delay seemingly minor service and repairs. But saving a few dollars today can be very costly in the long run.
“Sometimes a customer is skeptical about the urgency of a recommended repair.” Explained Jim Grove, Service Director at Dick Scott Dodge. “Yet, several affordable services are key to maintaining vehicle safety, efficiency and performance while preventing costly repairs down the road.”
Service advisors at Dick Scott Dodge in Plymouth cite a recent report by U.S. News and World Report “6 Car Repairs You Can’t Afford to Skip” as an important list for helping vehicle owners prioritize the maintenance needs of their vehicles.
The magazine identifies worn brake pads, oil changes, air filters, transmission fluid leaks, burned out lights and clogged fuel filters as the six important vehicle car items that should not be postponed.
For example, replacing a dirty air filter can cost as little as $15.00. But if a dirty air filter prevents the engine from getting enough air, spark plugs can fail. Replacing the spark plugs is a significantly more expensive repair costing up to $300, depending on the engine.
During a routine inspection, the service department at Dick Scott Dodge will check to see if the vehicle needs any factory-recommended service actions. Often, these services and repairs are performed at no cost.
Another free service for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Trucks vehicles is computer software updates. Using Chrysler Group LLC’s unique wiTECH tool, service technicians can identify any software updates available and make revisions within minutes. Modern vehicles contain sophisticated computer programs that benefit from occasional updates, similar to personal computers, to keep vehicle and features operating their best.
“In addition to having your vehicle inspected by a factory-trained service technician, there are several simple steps owners can take to prepare their vehicle for fall and winter,” said Grove.
- Check tire pressure: Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. If the vehicle is not equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system, check on or near the driver’s-side door for the correct pressure. Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent.
- Inspect wiper blades: Streaking, limited visibility, blade tearing or noisy wiper blade operations are the telltale signs that wipers need replacing.
- Prepare for snow removal: Put snow scrapers and brushes in the vehicle before the first snow of the season.
- Pack an emergency kit: Drivers can prepare their own or purchase a safety kit from Mopar that includes a safety flashlight, fleece blanket, six-gage jumper cables, safety triangle, screwdrivers, pliers, two bungee cords and gloves.
“Drivers should always check their owner’s manual for complete information on service and maintenance schedules,” Grove added.
About Dick Scott Dodge
Dick Scott Dodge is an authorized new vehicle dealer affiliated with Chrysler Group LLC and sells new Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles; they also have a large selection of Pre-owned vehicles available in all makes and models. Chrysler Group LLC was formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group and produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car, Ram Truck, Mopar and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. Dick Scott Dodge provides service for all Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Vehicles, as well as ALL other makes & models.
