Michael Ducote of Argentina provides consulting to institutional and commercial investors on real estate developments, emerging markets, and luxury brands. One thing that Mr. Ducote has been noticing in the current economic landscape is a resurgence in sports car appreciation and ownership among entrepreneurs. But sadly, many invest in these vehicles without much consideration for the upkeep involved. Below, Michael Ducote explains some of the top maintenance omissions and faux pas made by new owners of high-performance rides.
You saved up for years and dreamt about it for even more. Now, you actually own one, but the purchase journey was just beginning. Now you need to make sure you’re caring for and maintaining your dream car the way it deserves.
As discussed recently in the Michael Ducote Tennis blog, this isn’t always a straightforward process. New high-end vehicle owners often make some wrong moves when it comes to giving their acquisition regular care. Here are some common maintenance mistakes newbie owners regularly commit — and what to do instead.
Not Prioritizing Maintenance at All
We get it: it’s easy for routine maintenance to fall by the wayside and, depending on your car ownership history, you might even be programmed to expect a reminder email from your dealership when something needs to be done. No doubt, there are plenty of new owners out there who just let the time slip by without taking action.
They may think that regular checks are not a big deal or just consider it a waste of money to fuss on their new car too often.
All car experts note that not taking regular care of your car through scheduled maintenance may lead to long-term damage and impact performance.
This is particularly true if a car is rare or particularly expensive.
Skimping on vehicle maintenance costs more in the long run.
Not Understanding Your Car
You may know quite a bit about the features of your new vehicle, but what about under the hood? While you likely did a ton of research before choosing your ride, not everyone is well-versed in in the finer points of car care.
Take time to study the owner’s manual and dealer care recommendations if provided. Further, try to get a feel for the basic mechanics of your car so the inner workings become less of a mystery to you. Many owners that don’t have a technical background just feel a bit overwhelmed when they pop the hood, but with a little time and effort you can become an expert on your particular vehicle. Time well spent if you plan on owning it for years to come.
Not Buying the Appropriate Parts
You didn’t skimp when you decided to purchase a sports car, so why go cheap on parts? Instead of buying after-market products, sports cars should really be treated to only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, according to Michael Ducote of Argentina. Go for quality over questionable car parts every time.
Not Taking Care of Your Tires
The right tires are essential for the sports car driving experience. Good tires minimize stopping distance and ensure a great road grip. Cheap tires wear too fast and don’t perform the same. Look for the tires that best match the needs of your car and your driving habits.
Michael Ducote also warns that owners need to maintain the right tire pressure which can also impact the speed and handling of your sports car. Be sure to know your factory recommendations and address imbalances whenever needed.
Not everyone knows that under-inflated tires cause cars to use more fuel and can lead to an increased risk of an accident.
Not Paying Attention to Engine Warning Signs
If you have a sports car, you’re probably focused on its power and speed. Unfortunately, sports cars, especially older models, do have a tendency to get overheated.
Don’t ignore the signs of overheating. If your engine seems less powerful than usual or you notice a burning smell, your car is probably running too hot.
If you notice these issues, take action. Michael Ducote of Argentina says not to wait until your car breaks down or simply ignore the signs all together thinking the issue will go away on its own. An overheated engine causes major damage, including engine blockage and cracked cylinder heads.
Ignoring Oil Chances and Other Fluids
Changing your oil on a regular basis, usually every few thousand miles, is a must. It’s even more imperative with you have a high-performance car. Follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines for oil change frequency, as reported in the Michael Ducote Tennis blog, and make sure you know that the oil used is quality or it can damage your engine.
Michael Ducote explains that while you’re at it, you shouldn’t neglect the levels of other vital fluids, including brake, coolant, and transmission fluids. If those are not maintained at proper levels, your engine will not perform as it should.
These fluid checks are typically part of regular maintenance but be sure to read your owner’s manual to see if they recommend a certain brand for each of the fluids that will work best for your car.
The Bottom Line
Owning a sports car can be a joy every day, but only if you remain committed to proper and thorough maintenance. It may be easy to make some common mistakes, but by following the tips above from Michael Ducote and making maintenance a priority, you’ll enjoy being behind the wheel of your sports car for years to come.
