Regular car maintenance: A cheat sheet

MANILA, Philippines – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” goes the popular expression. But when it comes to car maintenance, this should never be the case.

For most of us, a car is the very first investment that we’ll make. And while we’d willingly spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of our hard-earned cash for one, many would become so hesitant to spend some more for regular car maintenance.

Most of the time, it’s simply our realistic, frugal side manifesting itself. Filipinos have always been practical, and the top priorities of many don’t always include regular car maintenance. As long as our vehicles aren’t showing any visible signs of wear and tear and it’s still up and running, we believe that there’s no real need for us to bring it in for servicing.

But think about it. What’s the point in buying something as pricey and important as a car and neglect caring for it altogether? You wouldn’t want to be lamenting over your new car falling apart even before you’ve even made the most out of it, right?

Prevention is indeed better than cure. Regular maintenance may seem costly, but spending for repairs once your car starts breaking down is costlier. Keep in mind that spending for a car does not stop at buying one, and that part of being a responsible car owner is making sure it’s in always tip top shape so it can be used for years, even decades.

We talked to Enzo Teodoro, Co-Founder of Opus Macchina, and Peter Manabat of Manila Street Kings to come up with the following infographic on the truths and benefits of regular car maintenance. Find out what you can do to ensure your vehicle’s always in tip-top shape, and what this means for your car (and wallets) in the long run. – Rappler.com

Graphics by Nico Villarete. Copy by Jules Matabuena

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