Having a car is a big responsibility. It isn’t a matter of just getting in your car and driving it until it dies. You need to take proper care of it — both inside and out — if you want it to last. It’s not as easy as you may think to maintain a car.
Most people don’t have the time to keep up with the maintenance and repairs. If you have a car, you need to find a way to keep it running like a well-oiled machine. Car maintenance is a big subject — and it is more than just getting your oil changed. Here are some tips for car maintenance services that can extend the life of your vehicle.
Wheel alignment
Wheel alignment is often overlooked as a car maintenance service. But this service can ensure that your tires wear evenly, and it can also help you save money on fuel. When your wheels are not aligned, your car will burn more gas because it has to work harder to drive straight. It will also wear down your tires more quickly.
When a vehicle is in need of wheel alignment, it is usually caused by worn-out parts. This is because the wheels of the car are put under a lot of stress, especially if it is an off-road vehicle. The tires on the vehicle are subjected to a lot of stress when driving over speed bumps, potholes, or even sharp turns.
The alignment of the wheels is distorted by these actions, and the steering of the car may be compromised. A wheel alignment expert will use several tools to straighten the wheels and ensure that the tires are perpendicular to the car. This is so that the tires will not wear out faster than they should.
Get a brake service
It is essential to maintain the brakes on your car to ensure that you can stop the car when you need to. Without good brakes, the distance and time it takes to stop your car can increase, which could result in a potential accident. In addition, if you are driving and you need to control your car quickly, you want to be able to trust that your vehicle will stop.
Oil change
Oil is one of the most important parts of your car. It is a liquid that lubricates your engine parts and allows them to move smoothly. If you don’t change your oil regularly, your car’s engine can wear out faster, and you could spend more on repairs.
Most roadworthy vehicles come with a manual that details the recommended service interval. You can also check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look at the maintenance sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. If you have an oil analysis report, that’s even better.
The oil change interval is based on the oil type and your vehicle’s use. For example, if you drive your car a lot, the gap should be shorter. If you use synthetic oil, you can go longer between oil changes.
Service your air conditioner
Regular maintenance of your car’s air conditioner is the key to extending its useful life. Air conditioners are highly complex and require a lot of parts to function properly. Usually, the smallest and most overlooked part of the air conditioner ends up being the problem.
This can lead to unexpected breakdowns and a huge dent in your pocket for repairs. The good news is that it can be avoided by taking your car for regular tune-ups. Also, if your current AC system is more than 10 years old, it is a good idea to consider replacing it with a new one.
If you have air conditioning in your car, it is a vital feature you can’t live without when the summer is on a rampage. But it is not just the air conditioner that keeps your car cool. If you don’t service it regularly, it can break down at the worst time. A typical air conditioner requires servicing every 10,000 miles or so.
Air filter replacement
One of the most overlooked things in a car, the air filter, is important because it is the first line of defense against dust and dirt. When this filter gets clogged by too much dust, it can lead to reduced performance and fuel economy.
A clogged air filter will also cause the engine to work harder, increasing the chances of breakdown due to stress and heat so ensure to take it to the auto repair shop often.
Transmission Service
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of the most critical systems in your car. Your transmission is the system that changes your engine’s power into your car’s movement. It is a complex gear system that can be hard to understand if you are unfamiliar with it.
Engines use fuel to release energy that moves a vehicle forward. The transmission is a system of gears, shafts, and fluid that transfers the energy from the engine to the wheels to make the car move. Over time, the transmission fluid can lose its ability to lubricate the moving parts of the transmission effectively.
A transmission service includes the replacement of worn-out transmission fluid with fresh fluid. A transmission service will help keep your transmission in good working order and can help you avoid transmission problems with your car.
