Why pay for expensive auto repairs when you can avoid them? Preventative maintenance helps keep your car, truck, or SUV in tiptop shape by replacing worn parts before they cause serious problems. Six specific factory-scheduled services are known to extend the life of your vehicle. Mike’s Automotive lists what they are below so you can get more care-free miles out of your car.
1. Oil Changes
Old and/or dirty motor oil can literally destroy your vehicle’s engine. Motor oil loses its viscosity (consistency) as it ages, and it cannot lubricate moving engine parts. It also deposits grime and contaminants throughout the engine. This will overheat and seize up the engine beyond repair.
2. Fluid Changes
You also need to change your antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission oil when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends it. For example, flushing and refilling the coolant when it needs to be replaced prevents your vehicle’s engine from overheating, extending its life.
3. Filter Changes
Your automobile also has three filters that keep your engine clean and efficient. Each should be changed per the schedule in your owner’s manual. Generally, these filters need to be replaced every
- 12,000 to 15,000 miles for the air filter
- 20,000 to 40,000 miles for the fuel filter
- 3,000 to 5,000 miles for the oil filter
These are general recommendations. Make sure to stick to your automobile’s factory-service schedule to ensure you’re replacing the filters at the times that are best for your make, model, and year.
4. Tire Rotations
Bald tires can damage your wheels and, as such, your vehicle’s suspension. Inspect your tires regularly to make sure they have plenty of tread that is not wearing down unevenly. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles to extend their life. They should be inflated only to the recommended psi for your vehicle.
5. Repairs
We know this blog post talks about service that prevents expensive repairs, but minor repairs can also prevent expensive repairs. Don’t put off having a strange sound or smell fixed. Don’t ignore your dashboard warning lights, either. If something is wrong, get it fixed before it ruins something else.
6. Vehicle Inspections
Finally, vehicle inspections can help us find things that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These inspections are usually done briefly during oil changes and at the factory-scheduled mileage maintenance visits, i.e., the 30/60/90-thousand mile services. Diagnostic checks also confirm all vehicle systems are a-okay.
Let Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK, help extend the life of your automobile. We can service and repair your vehicle to ensure it’s safe, reliable, and efficient for years to come.
