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Servicing your car

Keeping your old banger on the road

Did you know that the average car on New Zealand roads is nearly 15 years old? As the cost of living continues to bite, many people are opting to stick with their older vehicle, rather than upgrading any time soon.

But saving money on your car shouldn’t mean putting off a service. Basic maintenance and checks are important to keep your car running and can save you from big budget blowouts in the long run. Shape

Why should you get your car serviced?

Ignoring minor mechanical issues can mean they snowball into much bigger problems.

With regular car servicing you can stay on top of your car’s maintenance requirements for a fraction of the cost.

  • Avoid big repair bills: A basic service including things like an oil change and filter check will cost $250-$300. Compare that to the eye-watering $2,500 to $15,000 (depending on your car’s make or model) for a full engine replacement. You may as well buy a whole new car for that price.    
  • Safety first: Regularly getting your brakes, tyres and lights checked means they’re far less likely to fail in an emergency. 
  • Save on gas: Did you know that a well-maintained engine burns fuel more efficiently? Your engine works better when its parts have clean oil, and it can breathe properly with a clean air filter. This means you can actually save money at the gas station.
  • Extend your car’s lifespan: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid top-ups and other checks will help prevent wear and tear on vital components and can significantly extend the life of your car. 
  • Resale value: A full service history is the go-to for buyers looking at a used car. If you have a service record for your car you can potentially sell it for more when it comes time to upgrade.
  • Peace of mind: When your car is well-maintained you can stop worrying so much about breakdowns and other unexpected issues that could derail your day. 

Regular servicing can also pick up issues with your car that you may not even notice. Generally speaking, the sooner you catch a problem with your car, the cheaper it is to solve it. By the time it’s making a weird noise it’s often too late for a quick fix.

AA Motoring is here to help, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping your ride on the road. 

So, stop putting off your service! Book in now at an AA Auto Centre and save up to $40 on our most affordable Bronze Service, for a limited time only. 

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