Luxury buying & car care tips

If everything checks out when you’re buying a luxury car, it can be the start of something great. But, like in any relationship, as time goes on and more kilometres are covered, cracks can begin to appear. Without regular checkups, issues are not identified until it’s too late, leaving you broken down on the side of the road wondering what exactly went wrong.

It doesn’t have to be like that though. The more effort you put into your luxury car, the more you will get out of it and the longer it will last. So, to help ensure that the relationship runs smoothly and doesn’t hit any speed bumps, here are the top five things you shouldn’t do to your car:

1 Don’t ignore it

One of the fundamentals of any relationship is the ability to communicate. Your car, especially if it’s modern, will have a number of ways to inform you that it needs attention.

If a warning light comes on, don’t drive around for weeks — take it to a workshop as soon as you can. Likewise, if you hear a weird noise when you start the engine or as you drive, then get it seen to. This is your car telling you that something’s not right.

Photo / 123RF

2 Don’t miss the service dates

There is a reason this piece of advice is given to everyone who owns a car. Getting your car serviced by a professional is arguably the most important thing you can do for it. Like a relationship, there can be consequences if you miss a date!

A basic service checks all the essentials — oil and filter replacement, antifreeze, brake fluid level and condition check, and a battery test (among other things). Most mechanics and dealers will offer more comprehensive services if desired. It’s like taking your car to the doctor for a checkup, regular servicing will keep it running reliably for longer and make it easier to resell if you have a full service history.

3 Don’t forget to clean it

A lot of time and hard-earned money has gone into finding the right car; it makes sense to make it shine. Luxury cars are made for that purpose, to be seen and enjoyed. Preferably clean!

4 Don’t scrimp

Relationships can be a big financial commitment, and while there might be times when your car seems like a bottomless pit and is draining all your funds, there are occasions when it’s worth splashing out on.

If it needs new oil, make sure you buy premium oil. Take it to a recognised mechanic if it needs repairs, which may not necessarily be the cheapest in town.

Also, make sure you buy decent tyres — these are your last defence between you and the road and safety should always be a priority.

5 Don’t leave it to rot in the driveway

Neglect gets you nowhere in a relationship and a car is the same. Many people buy luxury cars and only take them for a drive once in a blue moon — these cars don’t want to be stuck on the driveway or garage gathering dust, they’re designed to be taken out and enjoyed.

Taking your car out on the open road is good for it and it will rekindle the reason why you bought it in the first place.