Despite popular belief, the price to keep a continental car running isn’t that different from a Japanese car.

There’s nothing quite like driving a continental car. With its strikingly-good looks, interiors dressed up to the nines and a badge with a strong heritage, it’s no wonder why everyone wants one. You would have bought one if not for ‘people who know cars’ tell you that maintaining a continental car is expensive.

However, veteran owners of continental cars will tell you that maintaining one isn’t that much more expensive than a Japanese car. The workings of an engine and its basic parts are nearly the same no matter where the cars are made. The key to keep your continental car running like it just came off the showroom floor is to faithfully follow the preventive maintenance schedule. A well-oiled engine ensures the car’s health and adds years to your driving enjoyment. After all, prevention is better than cure.

With highly tuned engines, prevention is better than cure

All continental cars are highly engineered to bring out the best performance regardless of the engine size. The technical innovations built into the engine to achieve high horsepower and torque require finely-tuned parts to make everything work. How else can a 2.0-litre engine deliver a punchy acceleration that puts a smile on your face every time?

Skipping the regular service schedule only increases the risk of parts breaking down — the main reason for a continental car’s ‘high maintenance cost’. Besides denting your bank balance, you also need to consider the time spent waiting for your vehicle to be fixed — the time you should be driving instead.

Just as important as keeping to the service schedule is to select the right continental car service centre. You’d want a service centre that’s experienced, professional and, more importantly, one that won’t take you for a ride.

All about finding the trustworthy service centre

S M Performance, albeit a new name, is staffed by professionals who have successfully worked on continental cars for many years. Equipped with the correct diagnostic tools and machinery, S M Performance can zero in on the problem and offer a solution that corrects the problem and weed out any possible recurrence in the near future.

S M Performance also prides itself on its transparent pricing. In fact, you can visit its website to view the comprehensive packages and competitive prices. The most expensive: $188 for a 28-point check, computer diagnostics, filled with Liqui Moly Top Tac 4600 5W-30 engine oil and more. Should any new issue creep up, you will be informed right away with cost estimation so you can expect what is coming. In addition to regular vehicle servicing, S M Performance has the capability to complete more technically complex repairs, such as engine and gearbox overhauls.

The clean environment in S M Performance lets you rest comfortably while your car is being serviced. You’ll be waiting in a relaxed, air-conditioned and WiFi-enabled guest lounge with a pantry and fridge well-stocked with a wide selection of snacks and beverages.

Buying a continental car? Take a technician with you

If you’re in the market to buy a continental car, S M Performance also offers pre-purchase inspection services to help you spot the right one. The service and repair workshop’s skilled technicians can look beyond a clean surface to spot dirty problems underneath. At the very least, you’ll have a better idea of the car you’d be buying.

Sifting out the good, the bad and the ugly should let you start your continental car ownership on the right foot. And by servicing with S M Performance, you’ll soon know that it’s actually not expensive to maintain a continental car.