Do You Know What Does Car Maintenance Include?
It’s been reported by auto shops that some vehicle owners put off the recommended vehicle maintenance items that should be done at certain intervals. They think their budget is too tight and time is limited, but in the long run, they will end up spending more money and time on unexpected auto repairs than the cost of maintenance service. They may not realize that neglecting regular vehicle maintenance compromises the safety of their vehicle plus allows small problems to become bigger and more costly to fix.
So what does car maintenance include? Here are some basic vehicle maintenance guidelines:
- Lights – Replace burned-out or broken bulbs so that they are all working.
- Windshield – Check for cracks or chips, the condition of the wiper blades (replace if more than six months old), and keep the washer reservoir filled.
- Car battery – Check the fluid level in the terminals, clean corrosion build-up around the posts and cable connections, and make sure it is holding a strong charge.
- Oil changes – Change the oil at the correct mileage interval, use the right viscosity (for either hot or cold temperatures), and use a good quality filter. An oil leak should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Air filter – Replace at the recommended interval listed in your owner’s manual.
- Radiator – Make sure that the mixture of coolant and water is correct and at the right level. Check for leaks in connections or cracked hoses.
- Tune up – Your mechanic can let you know when it’s time for a tune up to replace spark plugs, various belts and wires, and other adjustments.
- Brakes – The condition of the brake components should be inspected at every oil change or tire rotation (including brake fluid, pads, rotors, and calipers) and replaced as necessary.
- Tires – Check the overall condition of the rubber and have any cuts or holes repaired. Rotate tires about every 6,000 miles, keep the right air pressure and maintain the alignment and balance so the tread wears evenly.
- Suspension system – Make sure the shocks or struts, wheel bearings, axles, and fluids remain in good condition.
- Exhaust system – Holes in the muffler and exhaust pipes should be repaired to prevent a noisy car and leaking toxic fumes.
You can trust vehicle manufacturers to know what their vehicles need to keep operating reliably and safely. Read the guidelines in your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage or time interval for services.
Still, have questions about what does car maintenance include? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about basic vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
It’s been reported by auto shops that some vehicle owners put off the recommended vehicle maintenance items that should be done at certain intervals. They think their budget is too tight and time is limited, but in the long run, they will end up spending more money and time on unexpected auto repairs than the cost of maintenance service. They may not realize that neglecting regular vehicle maintenance compromises the safety of their vehicle plus allows small problems to become bigger and more costly to fix.
So what does car maintenance include? Here are some basic vehicle maintenance guidelines:
- Lights – Replace burned-out or broken bulbs so that they are all working.
- Windshield – Check for cracks or chips, the condition of the wiper blades (replace if more than six months old), and keep the washer reservoir filled.
- Car battery – Check the fluid level in the terminals, clean corrosion build-up around the posts and cable connections, and make sure it is holding a strong charge.
- Oil changes – Change the oil at the correct mileage interval, use the right viscosity (for either hot or cold temperatures), and use a good quality filter. An oil leak should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Air filter – Replace at the recommended interval listed in your owner’s manual.
- Radiator – Make sure that the mixture of coolant and water is correct and at the right level. Check for leaks in connections or cracked hoses.
- Tune up – Your mechanic can let you know when it’s time for a tune up to replace spark plugs, various belts and wires, and other adjustments.
- Brakes – The condition of the brake components should be inspected at every oil change or tire rotation (including brake fluid, pads, rotors, and calipers) and replaced as necessary.
- Tires – Check the overall condition of the rubber and have any cuts or holes repaired. Rotate tires about every 6,000 miles, keep the right air pressure and maintain the alignment and balance so the tread wears evenly.
- Suspension system – Make sure the shocks or struts, wheel bearings, axles, and fluids remain in good condition.
- Exhaust system – Holes in the muffler and exhaust pipes should be repaired to prevent a noisy car and leaking toxic fumes.
You can trust vehicle manufacturers to know what their vehicles need to keep operating reliably and safely. Read the guidelines in your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage or time interval for services.
Still, have questions about what does car maintenance include? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about basic vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
