Maybe you would have bought a new car by now. But, with the economy in its current lack-luster state, well, you may decide to keep driving Old Faithful a little longer. That is one potential way to cut back on expenses when times pinch the wallet. Be careful, however, you don’t pinch too tightly.

It’s always important to perform the recommended maintenance on your vehicle in a timely manner: change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, check the antifreeze/coolant, consider a tune up if due.  If you plan to keep an older car, keeping it running properly requires proper attention and care.

More than that, you may want to bring your vehicle in to a respected auto repair shop before you make a decision about how to handle your transportation needs for the immediate future.

If you know what to expect from your car, SUV or truck, you’ll have a pretty good idea what it will cost to operate for the next 12 or 24 months. Performing some calculations, including an estimate of depreciation, and comparing anticipated costs of maintenance against the costs of purchasing a new vehicle is a wise way to approach the issue. Keep in mind, of course, that your new vehicle will also require upkeep and will also depreciate.

At Performance Unlimited, Ringwood, they’ll put your car up on a lift and give it a thorough inspection so you’ll know what to expect. In fact, if you’re considering the purchase of a used vehicle, they can perform the same test on your behalf. Of course, there is a modest charge for such an inspection but it’s well worth it considering the value of an expert appraisal.

This doesn’t mean that the unexpected won’t happen. But, someone who has thoroughly examined the possibilities is in a far better position to make a wise decision on how to proceed.

For more information, call Performance Unlimited at 815-728-0343 or visit: www.4performanceunlimited.com.