So you've bought a used vehicle in the Sterling Heights area. Do you know what you're getting? It is hard to know what you're getting because people in the Sterling Heights area sell vehicles for different reasons. Think about why you've sold vehicles. Did you just want something new or were there problems that you wanted to run away from? Maybe it was a little of both.

Used vehicles in Michigan with 25,000 to 35,000 miles/40,000 to 55,000 km on them are often lease returns, corporate program cars or rental fleet vehicles. Most Sterling Heights buyers feel pretty confident about these because they're newer and may still be under warranty. But how well have they been maintained?

Sterling Heights drivers who are planning to own a vehicle for a long time will keep up on auto maintenance so that they can avoid repairs down the road. But, if you know you're only going to have the vehicle for two or three years, you may not be so committed to maintenance. It would be easy to think that skipping an oil change here and there wouldn't ruin a brand new engine. Then it'll be someone else's problem when it comes time to pay for the damage.

It is very tempting for Sterling Heights drivers to skip the 30,000 mile/50,000 km service if they know they'll be turning in their leased vehicle in a couple of months.

If the vehicle didn't come with maintenance records, Sterling Heights used vehicle buyers need to assume the worst. Most likely the coolant system and transmission have never been serviced. The cabin air filter has probably not been changed and a fuel system cleaning at Sterling Tire & Auto may be in order.

You'll want Sterling Tire & Auto to check the A/C, battery, engine air filter, serpentine belt and hoses. A used vehicle inspection at Sterling Tire & Auto is well worth the cost.

And if your “new” used vehicle has been driven an even longer distance, an inspection is even more important. Check your owner's manual or talk with your service advisor at Sterling Tire & Auto about what should have been done. Please don't forget the timing belt; that can be very expensive if it fails.

Sterling Tire & Auto will help you with a plan to take care of services and get the rest caught up. If your budget won't allow you to take care of everything right away, we can help you prioritize your needs and get it taken care of over the next several months. And remember to keep your maintenance records. They'll help you get top dollar on the Michigan used vehicle market when it's time for you to sell.

Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775