Buying a new sports car can be a very exciting experience. There are plenty of maintenance mistakes that first-time owners and novice drivers would do well to avoid. From routine oil changes to protecting your new car from theft, hailstorms and other environmental hazards, proper maintenance can make quite a difference. A few helpful maintenance tips can help take much of the guesswork out of buying your first sports car.
Read the Owner’s Manual
Almost all aspects of basic maintenance and operation will be outlined within the vehicle’s manual. Reading up on specific aspects of maintenance can provide you with a far better idea of what will be required in order to keep a vehicle in the best condition possible. Lacking a basic understanding regarding the maintenance schedule, parts and components and services needed to maintain your new vehicle could lead to all sorts of problems. You can find the manual for most cars online, so if you are trying to decide between a few, this could help you choose. Generally, it’s best to pick a car you can perform basic maintenance on yourself, especially if you break down on the side of the road someday.
Off-Season Storage
Leaving a high-end vehicle parked in the driveway or along the curb is another mistake that newbie owners often make, especially when leaving town. Arranging safe and secure car storage options for both regular parking and off-season storage is not a concern you will want to overlook. From collisions and parking mishaps to the threat of theft, vandalism, or even storm damage, having a safe place to park and store your vehicle is an issue of paramount importance. Depending on your car and climate, you might consider storing for the winter season. Whether you have a garage or store it in a facility, make sure you properly prepare the vehicle for winter.
Read Up on the Vehicle
A new sports car can be a significant financial investment. Failing to conduct proper research prior to buying a new vehicle can be a recipe for disaster. From performance specs and handling characteristics to known maintenance and repair issues associated with a specific make or model, knowing enough to make smarter and more informed decisions can make buying your first sports car a much easier proposition. Additionally, look into the cost of common repairs. The car might be in your price range, but the repairs or maintenance might not. This is particularly important if you are trying to save money by buying used.
Get a Second Opinion
Most people have someone in their social circles who is a fanatic about cars. If you trust their opinion and their knowledge on the subject, see what they think of the make and model you want to buy. They might know a few points about the car you didn’t find in your preliminary research. If you don’t know anyone with knowledge on the subject, you can check online forums. It could be really helpful to post questions about the sports car you want and why you want it. Others might have helpful tips for finding a good deal or making recommendations for where to buy your car and how to take care of it.
Following the Maintenance Schedule
Owners who fail to follow the maintenance schedule provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer may find themselves faced with more frequent breakdowns and other mechanical issues as a result. Poor maintenance can significantly shorten the lifespan of a vehicle. Reading over the maintenance schedule prior to purchasing a new vehicle is always a smart move. Some manufactures will only allow maintenance in their dealerships to keep the warranty intact. Be sure you are sticking to your schedule and keeping to the guidelines set by the warranty.
Routine maintenance and service can help you to get the most out of your new vehicle. Ensuring dependable performance and longer service life from your sports car are not issues that you will want to leave up to chance. Researching a vehicle thoroughly prior to purchase and knowing where to find any maintenance, storage or repair resources that may be needed are all important concerns.