Maintenance Matters on the Road

Motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles are more than just machines. They're the things that connect us to our jobs, each other, and to the joys of the open road. Driving and motorcycle riding are American cultural institutions.


But if you neglect the maintenance needs of your motorcycle, car, or other vehicle, then you'll be asking for trouble. Without proper maintenance, your vehicle could be a danger to you and others. Without regular preventative care, issues with your vehicle could become larger and much more costly to fix. You need to invest in maintenance, because maintenance matters on the road.


Choose regular maintenance, not sudden crises


If you don't care for your vehicle, it could break down . You can't choose when that will happen: Once you've neglected your motorcycle or other vehicle, you'll just be waiting for the moment when things go wrong.


That's a dangerous situation. A sudden failure on the part of your vehicle can be a crisis that puts your life and the lives of others in danger. And it can cost a whole lot more to fix than basic maintenance would have cost.


Sudden failures on the part of your vehicle are a lot more likely when there long-term failures of responsible ownership on your own part. If, on the other hand, you make good decisions as a vehicle owner, you'll be much more likely to enjoy a safe and reliable vehicle.


How to care for your vehicle


You don't need to know how to repair a motorcycle or car in order to get a reliable ride. All you need to know how to do is call a mechanic.


You should get a mechanic that you trust. Shop around if you have to, and check out online reviews. Be sure to head to a mechanic who knows your type of vehicle. Motorcycle riders should seek out mechanics who work specifically on motorcycles, for instance.


Visit your mechanic regularly. Preventative maintenance is the key here, so don't wait until your vehicle has a serious problem to visit your mechanic. Instead, get all of the belt and fluid changes your vehicle needs. When your mechanic sees your vehicle often, you'll be more likely to catch problems early — when fixes are easy and affordable.


You can even do some preventative maintenance yourself . Of course, when in doubt, you should always call in the pros.


Invest in quality work from a certified mechanic, and invest in quality parts, too. You want real OEM parts for your ride whenever possible.


Quality tires are a must, too, explain experts. Your tires are important — they're where your vehicle meets the road! Investing in great motorcycle tires will give you a safer ride that grips the road and handles better. The same thing is true for other types of vehicles.


Doing your part: why smart driving saves wear and tear


Riding your motorcycle or driving your car is the whole point of owning the vehicle in the first place, but the mileage we put on our vehicles ages them. But not all miles are created equal. A mile of smart, safe driving or riding — with gentle acceleration and deceleration, no accidents, and smooth gear-shifting — will cost your vehicle a whole lot less than a wild mile of slamming brakes, sudden accelerations, grinding gears, and worse.


So drive smart and drive smooth. Be sure to store your vehicle responsibly when you’re not using it, too. The actions you take on and off the road can make a big difference in your vehicle’s life.


Ride and drive safely with proper maintenance


Nobody likes spending money, but investing in maintenance is the smart and safe thing to do for your vehicle. In the long run, smart maintenance spending will save you money while giving you a safer and better-performing vehicle.