Making the decision to purchase a vehicle typically takes time, rigorous research, and a lot of thought. While some folks know for certain which auto manufacturer they will choose or whether they are looking to invest in a truck, SUV, or car for their next vehicle, others are simply looking for a nice, dependable ride that will get them from point A to point B -- and back again. Being able to count on your vehicle to withstand the long road trips, the stop and go of city driving, and the twists and turns of those back-country roads throughout all the seasons of each year is perhaps the most important factor when choosing a vehicle. It’s not by happenstance, however, that some vehicles seem to maintain their integrity for years after being purchased, while others seem to show their wear and tear in no time at all. Sustaining the value of your vehicle can easily be done. Here are three ways to accomplish this:

Whether you return to the dealership where you first bought your vehicle, or you prefer to go to your neighborhood service shop, making (and keeping) those routine maintenance appointments is integral to keeping your car roadworthy. These mini check-ups enable the certified technician to not only change your oil and rotate your tires, but also perform a check of hoses, belts, and various systems in your vehicle that may be showing signs of wear. Catching a potential issue in its very early stages will save you from a lot of unnecessary stress and expense.

Be Attentive!

Listen to your vehicle. If you hear the brakes making a strange noise or the engine just doesn’t sound quite right, cranking the volume on your stereo won’t make the source of that sound disappear. Look at your vehicle. If it seems like it is pulling to one side when you drive, or lights are shining brightly on your dashboard (indicating something needs your immediate attention), take it in to be serviced.

Purchase an Auto Warranty.

Of everything you can do to maintain your vehicle, perhaps the best decision you can make is to purchase auto warranty.  No matter how attentive and proactive you strive to be in taking care of your vehicle, sometimes mechanical issues arise that you have no control over. An auto warranty enables you to rest assured knowing that should a new problem suddenly appear in your vehicle, you’ll be covered, and you won’t have to worry about how you are going to pay for the repair. While an auto warranty does not need to be purchased the same day you buy your vehicle (in fact, you can get an auto warranty years after you purchased your vehicle), the auto warranty will typically cover only new issues and not pre-existing problems. So, it makes sense to be truly proactive in taking care of your vehicle and getting auto warranty for it before you need it!