Your Transmission Shop in Modesto and Signs You Need a New Car

Drivers from all over this great country feel an attachment to their vehicles, they are loyal to them to the end. While that is admirable, it is also somewhat naive. If you are hanging on to a car because you love it so much, but experiencing a lot of problems, perhaps it is time to rethink your life decisions.

Some people want to keep their cars forever. Studies show that the longer people drive their car after it is paid off, the better off they are financially. That is impressive. However, everyone knows that cars aren’t built to last forever, and if your car has 300,000 plus miles on it and covered in rust, you will have your fair share of problems to deal with.

Eventually, even the best built, best-taken care of car becomes impractical to drive. And you need to accept this no matter how much it hurts and breaks your heart. Ralph’s Transmission, your transmission shop in Modesto, offers signs it is time to buy another car.

Your Family Feels Shame

It’s bad enough that everybody refers to your car as a rust bucket, but what is worse are the stares you get when driving down the street. Now, you might be used to it, and suffer the pain and embarrassment in stride, but your family is ashamed to be seen in your car.

If you offer your car to your son for that all-important dance he has been looking forward to and he rejects your offer, it is a sign you need a new car. If you hand your spouse your credit card and the keys to your car to go on a shopping spree and she tosses the keys back, but keeps the credit card, it’s a sign you need a new car.

If you offer to treat the family to a steak dinner at the best steakhouse in town and they accept only on the condition that they take the bus to get to the restaurant, it is a sign you need a new car.

You might be immune to the way your car looks because you have had it so long, but your family feels the shame and it is bringing them down.

Repairs Cost More Than the Value of Your Car

If you have to spend $2,000 on an engine repair and the value of your car is $1,500, you need to seriously consider just buying a new car. It is foolish to pay to have a vehicle fixed when it is clearly not even worth the time and effort.

Your car needs a new set of tires. Before doling out the cash for some new rubber, ask yourself if the car is worth a new set of tires. If the answer is no, then you should be in the market for a new car.

We will make this easy for you; if there is math involved when considering having a repair done, just go buy a new car instead.

You Are Always Filling It Up

If your car guzzles gas like it’s 1999, perhaps it is time to get a new car.

Old cars rarely get fuel economy the way modern cars do. You might be filling your car up a couple of times a week to ensure your commute to and from work. If you have to take out an auto loan to keep up with your trips to the gas station, it is time to get a new car.

The Check Engine Light Never Goes Off

Your check engine light went on sometime in mid-October of 2005 and it hasn’t gone off since. The warning lights on your dash should be considered neon accents. If every bump you hit on the road changes the variety of lights that appear on your dash, it is a sign you need a new car.

You Leave the Doors Unlocked, Even in Bad Neighborhoods

If you never lock up your car because you know nobody is going to steal it, it is a sign you need a new car.

Your Mechanic Sends You Birthday and Christmas Cards

If your mechanic gives you a call to make sure you are alright because he hasn’t seen you in three weeks, it is a sign that you need a new car.

Ralph’s Transmission has been committed to quality since 1969. Schedule your appointment today.