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Are Cadillacs Expensive to Maintain?
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All vehicles need maintenance, which, of course, costs money. It's a fact of life that we have come to accept. Naturally, this leads to questions like, "How much will all the necessary maintenance cost?"
Our article attempts to answer one such question for future Cadillac owners or even current owners who may be thinking to themselves, "Is maintenance on a Cadillac expensive?" Our article shares some pertinent points that will hopefully address this question.
Are Cadillacs Expensive to Maintain?
Well, that is not something that can be easily answered, with so many factors of vehicle ownership coming into play.
Owners of any of Cadillac's affordable luxury models can rest assured that their vehicles are made to very high-quality standards, thanks to the inherent pedigree of parent company GM's engineering expertise.
Cadillac models can benefit from GM's greater economies of scale in terms of the price of wear-and-tear parts and maintenance spares. Shared engine components, suspension parts, and brake systems mean reduced costs.
Understanding Cadillac Maintenance Costs
To fully understand whether maintenance on a Cadillac is expensive, we need to expand on some points. The most obvious consideration is the vehicle itself and its build quality, which is closely related to its pricing. Luxury models cost more due to upscale technologies and high-quality build and materials.
Older vehicles tend to require more frequent repairs as components break down from wear and tear with age and higher mileage.
How Cadillac Stacks Up Against Other Luxury Brands
When considering "Is maintenance on a Cadillac expensive?" it's important to note that Cadillacs, like many other luxury car brands, are considered more expensive to repair compared to lesser brands due to high-end technology, complex engineering, and the cost of factory-made genuine Cadillac parts required for repairs.
What Makes Luxury Car Maintenance More Expensive?
Many luxury automakers produce only luxury vehicles with inherently lower production volumes. Lower volumes equate to lower economies of scale and, subsequently, higher unit costs of parts.
Owners of Cadillacs can, however, breathe easier knowing that paying for many shared GM components and maintenance items won't break the bank.
Routine Maintenance For Cadillacs
Routine maintenance and adherence to the service schedule, allied with addressing issues in time, will greatly assist in keeping your Cadillac in perfect mechanical condition, which is crucial when considering, "Is maintenance on a Cadillac expensive?"
The benefits of routine maintenance are enhanced reliability, reduced risk of any expensive breakdowns, and better resale values, as vehicles with a fully documented maintenance history will command better resale values than the same model that has no traceable service record.
Routine maintenance is important for safety considerations such as the safe working of braking systems, airbag systems, and items like tire pressures, which are often easily overlooked.
Essential Services: Oil Changes, Brake Pads, and Tire Rotations
Regular oil changes ensure your Cadillac's engine is getting the required levels of protection provided by clean, uncontaminated oil. Old engine oil will lead to expensive repair bills, as the ability of the oil to protect moving parts diminishes over time and as the vital additives found in modern performance oil formulations lose their efficacy.
Regular inspection of brake pads and all braking components is considered an essential service requirement. Brakes working at 100 percent are not just essential for your own safety but also for your family and other road users.
Regular tire rotations are essential to get the best performance out of your Cadillac's tires, ensuring even tread wear and increased tire life.
How Routine Maintenance Varies by Cadillac Model
Not all vehicles have similar routine maintenance schedules, as engines differ, the intended use is different, plus equipment specs do differ from model to model, which requires varying maintenance schedules.
Mileage Milestones: 30K, 60K, and 100K Miles
Like most modern vehicles, mileage milestones dictate the maintenance required over and above the normal annual service.
Often referred to as major services carried out at these mileage milestones, these services are essentially a more thorough inspection and servicing of all key vehicle systems.
For example, at 30K miles, a comprehensive maintenance service typically includes an engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, cabin air filter replacement, inspection of brakes and suspension components, plus fluid level checks.
This is also the first scheduled service that may see Cadillac technicians recommending that wear-prone parts be replaced.
Common Repairs and Their Costs
Cadillac Certified Service Centers generally offer similar pricing for common repairs.
If your Cadillac is an older model and repairs or services are no longer covered by any service or maintenance plan, then owners will be required to cover repairs out of their own pockets.
A few examples of common repairs and their costs are:
- Oil change and filter, $50 - $100
- Brake pad replacement around $150 - $300 per axle
- Tire rotation at $20 - $50
- Cabin air filter replacement, $20 - $40
- Battery replacement up to around $100 - $200
Cadillac Warranty and Service Plans
Cadillac's standard warranty covers the entire vehicle for repairs, plus parts and labor, to correct any defect in materials or workmanship for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Cadillac's typical powertrain warranties last for 6 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first, with other durations available.
Additional service plans are available, such as the Cadillac Protection Plan, which is available in three coverage options-Powertrain, Silver, and Platinum-that provide additional coverage on top of your manufacturer's warranty with up to 1,500 parts, depending on the selected plan.
How to Save on Cadillac Maintenance
Shopping around for the best service and maintenance prices is always a good option; however, adhering to your Caddy's regular maintenance schedule goes a long way toward preventing expensive future repair bills.
Preventative Care Tips
As it's often said, prevention is better than cure, and your Cadillac's service requirements are no different. Regular, on-time maintenance and not delaying in addressing any repairs will keep your luxury Cadillac running flawlessly.
Use Genuine Cadillac Parts
Genuine Cadillac parts are designed for your vehicle and its particular requirements. Cadillac parts are manufactured to OEM factory specs and are made to offer the best performance and protection for your vehicle.
Find Trusted Mechanics or Certified Cadillac Service Centers
Cadillac's trusted mechanics have advanced factory training on all Cadillac models, and Cadillac Certified Service Centers offer service levels that provide the best possible care for your Cadillac vehicle.
Independent mechanics may not possess the appropriate tools and diagnostics nor the skills to correctly maintain your Cadillac.
Get Your Cadillac Serviced at Colonial Cadillac
Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, Certified Service Center and expert technicians will ensure that your Cadillac receives the correct service standards, addressing the question, "Is maintenance on a Cadillac expensive?" with professional care and expertise.
Be sure to make an appointment with Colonial Cadillac for an amazing customer service experience.
