Have you ever experienced being stranded in a place you are not familiar with and you cannot just simply leave the location because you had your car stranded with you? A car offers a lot of benefits and advantages to the owner, but the vehicle also requires great responsibility from him. Being a responsible owner means providing your car with the necessary maintenance services it needs. Taking this for granted will eventually leave the owner with more complicated issues and terrible expenses in the long run.
Auto service ensures safe, reliable, and efficient car performance when it is subjected to maintenance, inspection, and repair. The service ranges from routine tasks like oil changes to more extensive repairs and diagnostics for mechanical or electrical problems of the vehicle. Prolonged lifespan is the ultimate effect of a regular auto service.
Here are the most common types of auto services and their recommended schedule.
Oil Changes
Oil should be changed regularly even if the car is not used frequently because oil breaks down over time. It is the substance that lubricates your engine to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. So, it is a must to change conventional oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. You may also refer to the owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Maintenance
Worn-out or improperly inflated tires can lead to uneven wear and worse accidents. It is because your tires affect your car’s handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Indeed, tires must be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, also aligned at least once a year or if your car pulls to one side. Moreover, when the wheel’s tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch or as recommended by your tire manufacturer, then it must be replaced.
Break Services
One of the most crucial parts of driving your car that caters to your safety is your ability to use the brakes. Worn-out brake pads or fluid issues can lead to accidents due to reduced stopping power or system failure. Thus, brake inspection at least once a year or every 12,000 miles is necessary. Normally, every 25,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on usage, the brake pad must be replaced and brake fluid must be flushed every 2 to 3 years.
Fluid Checks and Top-Offs
The car uses several fluids to become functional –coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Maintaining their proper levels prevents overheating, wear, and other issues. So, fluid levels must be checked every month. Flush and replace coolant every 2 to 3 years and replace transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Battery Maintenance
Yes, a failing battery can leave you stranded, so you must inspect battery terminals and connections twice a year. While every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if it shows signs of wear, the battery should be replaced.
Air Filter Replacement
Debris should be prevented from entering the car’s engine to improve fuel efficiency and performance. This is done through the air filters. The engine air filter must be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles and the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Your car is a significant investment, so you must protect it from all sorts of issues so that it can maintain peak performance. Extend its life existence through auto servicing.
