When you drive past a limousine on the street it’s hard not to imagine all the people that could be inside. Maybe it’s a bride and groom, a fancy party guest, or even a celebrity. Even empty, limousines never fail to be impressive, but just like any other car, they can be expensive to repair if not correctly maintained. Unlike other cars, limousines are considered luxury vehicles, and as such can have more intricate systems that, if left unchecked, can lead to escalated problems. Follow these tips and tricks to keep your limo working great. Read the Manual The owner’s manual for your limo will have a recommended maintenance schedule that should be followed as closely as possible. If for some reason you do not have the owner’s manual, either contact the manufacturer or go online. Most manuals can be downloaded for free directly from the manufacturer’s website as long as you know the correct make, model and year. Following the recommended maintenance schedule can catch potential problems early and save you from having to make costly repairs. Plan Ahead Don’t wait until the last minute before trying to find a repair shop. Shop around ahead of time and find a place where you would feel comfortable taking your vehicle. Look at reviews and ask what places people would recommend. Word-of-mouth is usually the best way to find a great, professional technician. There’s nothing wrong with being picky when it comes to choosing a shop. It won’t hurt to put aside a set amount of money each month specifically for maintenance and repairs, either. Luxury cars are some of the most expensive to maintain, and the cost goes up depending on how severe the problem is. Don’t forget that when you take your car into the shop, you’re not just paying for parts; you’re paying for labor too. What to Keep an Eye On Limos might be fancy luxury cars, but the inner workings are still the same, and just like maintaining a regular car, there are things that should be continuously checked on to prevent any large problems from occurring. Among the most important components to check is the engine. If you’re having problems with idling and stalling, jerky acceleration, or the “check engine” light pops on in the dash, it’s time to call the repair shop and see if you need to bring the car in. Also keep an eye on the transmission. Problems with this are usually easy to fix (a loose hose or clogged up filter that can easily be replaced), but leaving it unchecked can lead to larger problems that will affect other areas of the car as well. If you notice any steering problems, you could have misaligned wheels or steering components that need to be changed out. You might have to just put more air in the tires, but if the issue becomes consistent, there could be something more serious at work. Along with this goes any inconsistencies in the ride and handling of the car (if it’s unusually bumpy, moving to either side while driving, etc.) Shock absorbers and suspension can wear out fast under heavy use, and a smooth ride is imperative where limousines are concerned. Finally, make sure the brakes are functioning as they should. The car should not pull to either side when braking and you shouldn’t be hearing or feeling any scraping or grinding. Of course, if the brakes aren’t stopping the car as fast as they should then that’s a good indicator that something is wrong as well. To Sum It All Up Follow these tricks to make sure your limo is at its best: · Make sure you read the manual and follow the recommended service schedule · If you don’t have the manual, you can download it for free online. · Take the time to find a good repair shop. · Set aside a budget each month for any emergency issues. · Pay attention to components like the engine, transmission, steering and handling and the breaks. Many issues can be fixed without having to take the car into a shop if they’re caught early enough. Paying attention to these issues and nipping any potential problems in the bud by following these tips and techniques is the best way to save money on repairs and keep your vehicle in top-notch shape for your future clients. Comments are closed.
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