The fact that cars are staying on the roads for longer highlights the importance of taking your vehicle in for routine maintenance and diagnostic testing at car shops. Truth is, cars are simply more resilient with the right care.
Car Maintenance by the Numbers
What’s somewhat mind-boggling to think about is the fact that auto maintenance sector – technically called the automotive aftermarket industry – now does more than $700 billion in global business annually.
With the right preventive maintenance and timely repair of failing parts your car can last longer than ever before. Cars are staying on the roads for a historically long time, and even fleet vehicles are riding the longevity wave.
The average fleet vehicle is staying on the highways and byways 17 percent longer compared to just 10 years ago. Over the last 10 years, new and used car owners have increased ownership time by 60 percent as well.
New, Oldish and “Seasoned” Cars All Benefit
Whether your car is ten months old and ready for an oil change or ten years old and ready for a new timnig belt, car shops can keep your wheels on the road for longer.
The interesting wrinkle in this story is that older cars (cars that have been on the road for 11 years or more) potentially need different kinds of maintenance than cars that are fewer than four years old.
Oil Changes
Depending on the age of your vehicle and recommendations per your owner’s manual, oil changes may be recommended every three to five thousand miles or as infrequently as every 7,000 to 10,000 miles on newer vehicles.
For instance, older cars might benefit from more frequent oil changes and switching over to a more premium, synthetic oil blend. Getting new motor oil and flushing your transmission fluid will keep an older vehicle from breaking down.
The benefits of regular oil changes extend to newer and oldish cars as well since oil changes:
-extend engine life
-protect engine components
-keep engine lubricated
-improve fuel economy
-improved engine performance
-produce cleaner emissions
Getting a regular oil change, in other words, will help you pass your emissions test with flying colors since your car will expel less dirty oil, which builds up inside the crankcase without the right motor oil to keep things moving.
Fuel Filter
Relatedly, even newer vehicles could realize many of these same benefits through replacing the fuel filter on time. A fuel filter should essentially be replaced every two years.
Like the rules for changing motor oil on newer versus older vehicles, fuel fitlers can have different maintenance intervals depending on the year of manufacture of your vehicle.
Experienced car shops can tell you how often your car needs to replace its fuel filter based on the above factors and by running a fuel pressure test, which might be quite challenging to do at home!
The general rule of thumb used to be that you should go no longer than two years or 30,00 miles for replacing your fuel filter on older vehicles.
Newer vehicles might be able to go slightly longer; a fuel pressure test is the best way to remove the ambiguity and sidestep potential damage to your fuel pump, injectors, and fuel economy.
It might be high time for a new fuel filter if you experience symptoms like: difficulty or failure starting, shaky start off red light (i.e., trouble at low speeds), or difficulty starting your engine.
Seek Out Car Shops with Experience
All Around Auto Repair has the mechanics and technicians on-site to help you get the preventive maintenance and new parts that your new or more seasoned car needs to function at its best.
Though the reviews to some extent speak for themselves, schedule an appointment at All Around Auto Repair online or by calling 707 837 0646 and discover the benefits of preventive maintenance for yourself!
Car Maintenance FAQ
1. Why is routine maintenance important for cars that are staying on the road longer?
Routine maintenance is essential because it helps cars run efficiently and last longer. Regular check-ups, oil changes, and part replacements can prevent major issues and keep your car on the road for years to come.
2. How big is the automotive maintenance industry?
The automotive aftermarket industry, which includes vehicle maintenance and repairs, generates over $700 billion globally each year. This highlights the growing importance of car care and diagnostics.
3. How long are fleet vehicles staying on the road compared to 10 years ago?
Fleet vehicles are staying on the road 17% longer compared to a decade ago. This increase is due to better preventive maintenance and timely repairs that extend vehicle lifespan.
4. How has car ownership time changed in recent years?
Over the last decade, new and used car owners have increased their ownership time by 60%. People are keeping their cars longer thanks to better maintenance and the reliability of modern vehicles.
5. How often should I get an oil change for my vehicle?
Oil change frequency depends on your car’s age and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Older cars may need an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles, while newer vehicles can go 7,000-10,000 miles between oil changes.
6. What are the benefits of regular oil changes?
Regular oil changes improve fuel economy, extend engine life, keep engine components lubricated, protect against wear and tear, and help reduce emissions. This can help your car pass emissions tests more easily.
7. When should I replace my fuel filter?
A fuel filter should generally be replaced every two years or 30,000 miles for older vehicles. For newer cars, this interval may be longer, but a fuel pressure test is recommended to avoid potential damage to your fuel system.
8. What are signs that my fuel filter needs replacing?
Signs of a failing fuel filter include difficulty starting your car, stalling at low speeds, and engine trouble when accelerating. If you experience these issues, it’s time to visit a car shop.
9. Why do older cars need different maintenance than newer cars?
Older cars tend to need more frequent oil changes, part replacements, and specialized care. Newer cars, while more resilient, still benefit from regular maintenance but may have longer intervals between services.
10. Why should I choose an experienced car shop for maintenance?
Experienced car shops like All Around Auto Repair have trained mechanics who can perform the preventive maintenance your car needs. They can also handle complex tasks like fuel pressure tests and provide timely repairs to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
