There’s something about hand-stitched leather seats and a powerful engine that makes the road call out to you. Owning a luxury vehicle is the ride of a lifetime, but it also requires more maintenance than a typical car. Luxury vehicle owners should do everything they can to ensure their cars look great and perform well for as long as possible. Here are seven tips for maintaining a luxury car.
Drive defensively
The best thing luxury vehicle owners can do is to drive defensively. Shop around online and find a highly-rated defensive driving school to help you be as confident as you can behind the wheel. Defensive driving lessons provides drivers with skills to:
- Be reactive to other drivers
- Have good speed control
- Understand how to drive in different weather conditions
- Always be focused and alert when driving
You might not necessarily think of defensive driving as a way to maintain your car, but if you’re in an accident, your luxury auto could require a lot of repair work. Some extra benefits of taking a defensive driving course typically include a discount on your car insurance and the potential to have traffic tickets or citations dismissed. You’re also less likely to have your license suspended, and your elevated alertness will make you a better driver to share the road with.
Read your owner’s manual carefully
Maintaining your luxury vehicle includes reading your owner’s manual carefully, several times if necessary. The owner’s manual tells you everything from optimal tire pressure to what various alert lights mean. The better you understand how your car works, the better you can take care of it.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule
Your car is probably under warranty, and you want to keep that warranty in effect as long as possible. Disregarding your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can void your warranty. Even after your warranty expires, follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule as closely as possible to keep your vehicle performing smoothly and catch any problems early.
Keep it maintained professionally
Remember, luxury cars require more intense maintenance than economy cars. Take it to a dealership for its regularly scheduled maintenance and also for any problems that might arise. Their mechanics know your vehicle inside and out and can perform the necessary work without compromising your car’s value.
Check your tire pressure frequently
Always check your tire pressure to ensure your tires have the proper inflation. Your owner’s manual should tell you what the optimal tire pressure is for different driving conditions. If your tires are over or under-inflated, they can affect your car’s performance, and you run the risk of a blowout and a severe accident.
Clean and protect the interior and exterior regularly
Luxury car manufacturers tend to use high-end materials, particularly on the interior. Your seats use premium leather, and your consoles might use genuine wood instead of wood-patterned plastic. Because of that, you should clean the interior once a week or so with the correct cleaning products.
Also, when you wash your car, make sure you wax it as well. The wax not only keeps water from sticking to your vehicle but also protects your paint job from the elements.
Keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible
No matter how well you care for your car’s exterior, sunlight can damage the paint. If you can park your car in a garage at home and a parking structure at work, do so. It’ll keep your vehicle looking shiny and new for much longer.
Before you go
Luxury cars are a great way to cruise in style, but maintaining your luxury car requires a lot of thought and discipline. Be sure to read your owner’s manual, get it serviced professionally, and drive defensively to avoid accidents. With a bit of extra TLC, you can be showing off your rolling investment for years to come.
