Everybody knows that you should take your car in for auto maintenance or a quick tuneup after a certain amount of time has passed or after you’ve put a certain amount of miles on your vehicle. 

How are Auto Maintenance Intervals Set? 

Auto Maintenance

The set time intervals between auto maintenance tuneups is usually set by your vehicle’s manufacturer, though some new vehicles will tell you when specific systems need to be looked at.

If you’ve purchased your vehicle in the last ten years, then you probably have a real-time feedback system on your vehicle that tells you when, for instance, you need to replace your brake pads or oil. 

A lot of newer vehicles will also tell you when you need to take your car in for an oil change. A general rule of thumb is about every three to five thousand miles. 

Tuneup and Tuning…Same Thing? 

The thing to remember is that tuneups on a regular schedule improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. That said, tuneups are slightly different from engine tunings, which change your engine in some way to be better than it was leaving the factory. 

Auto maintenance at All Around Auto Repair, by contrast, includes things like: oil change, changing of spark plugs, replacing fuel filter, replacing air filter, changing the transmission fluid, lubricating components, inspecting the lights and wipers, checking and rotating the tires, and checking your brake fluid levels. 

The really nice thing about taking your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair for auto maintenance is that the on-site mechanics can spot problems that you wouldn’t necessarily think to look for. 

So, do All Around Auto Repair’s trained mechanics have some kind of magic wand or diving rod that lets them find problems that other people can’t?

Using the Right Tools for Maintenance 

You might say that since All Around Auto Repair’s mechanics use a scan tool to read your vehicle’s own diagnostic code and precision tools during something like a wheel alignment to get things just right. 

With a real alignment you can rest assured that your wheels are conforming to the manufacturer’s specifications, which will improve performance and the longevity of your tires by ensuring the wear is even. 

Rather than reinventing the wheel, auto maintenance attempts to get your car closer to what the manufacturer intended and giving you and your vehicle many more happy miles on the roads. 

Following your vehicle’s owner manual is a very good way to get the most out of your vehicle. Your vehicle’s manual will typically tell you which systems need to be inspected or replaced at certain time or mile intervals (e..g, brake pads every 50,000 miles or so). 

Every Vehicle is Different 

Although these are useful rules of thumb for how often certain systems need to be looked at, sometimes the way that you drive or the amount of small trips that you make can put additional wear and tear on your vehicle. 

This added wear and tear can mean that you might need auto maintenance slightly more frequently than your auto maintenance schedule would dictate for your vehicle’s make and model. 

Things like driving in a lot of stop-and-go traffic, taking a lot of long trips (e.g., from one state to another), or towing a trailer in a car that’s not really designed to do a lot of towing can put more wear and tear on your vehicle. 

All Around Auto Repair bases its auto maintenance schedules on the vast majority of California drivers whose driving tendencies ar e somewhere between rough and ideal. Why put it off? Contact us and schedule your auto maintenance today.

get your oil changed

Auto Maintenance FAQs

1. How often should I bring my car in for auto maintenance?

Auto maintenance intervals are typically set by your vehicle’s manufacturer and can vary depending on the car. A general guideline is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for basic services like oil changes, but your owner’s manual will provide more specific recommendations for different systems.

2. What is the difference between a tuneup and an engine tuning?

A tuneup focuses on maintaining your vehicle’s performance by replacing parts like spark plugs, fuel filters, and checking fluids. Engine tuning, on the other hand, involves modifying the engine to enhance its performance beyond factory settings.

3. What services are included in auto maintenance at All Around Auto Repair?

At All Around Auto Repair, auto maintenance includes oil changes, replacing spark plugs, air and fuel filters, checking and rotating tires, changing transmission fluid, lubricating parts, inspecting lights and wipers, and checking brake fluid levels.

4. How does modern technology help with auto maintenance?

Many newer vehicles come with real-time feedback systems that notify you when specific maintenance tasks are needed, such as replacing brake pads, changing oil, or checking tire pressure. This helps keep your vehicle in optimal condition between scheduled maintenance.

5. Why is following the owner’s manual important for auto maintenance?

Your vehicle’s owner manual outlines specific main tenance schedules based on your car’s design. By following these recommendations, you ensure that all systems are inspected or replaced at the right time, which helps improve performance and longevity.

Vehicle inspection

6. Can driving habits affect how often my car needs maintenance?

Yes, driving habits like frequent stop-and-go traffic, long trips, or towing can increase wear and tear on your vehicle. In these cases, you may need maintenance more frequently than the schedule outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

7. How does All Around Auto Repair detect issues during maintenance?

The mechanics at All Around Auto Repair use diagnostic tools and precision equipment, like scan tools and wheel alignment systems, to spot problems early. This allows them to address issues that might not be immediately obvious to the average driver.

8. What is the benefit of regular wheel alignments?

Proper wheel alignment ensures that your tires wear evenly, improves vehicle performance, and increases the longevity of your tires. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear and negatively affect handling.

9. What are the most common maintenance tasks needed at 50,000 miles?

Around 50,000 miles, many vehicles require brake pad replacement and tire rotation. Depending on the make and model, you may also need to replace certain filters and fluids, such as brake fluid and transmission fluid, to maintain optimal performance.

10. Why is it important not to skip auto maintenance?

Regular auto maintenance helps prevent larger, more expensive repairs down the road. Skipping maintenance can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, poor performance, and safety issues. By sticking to a schedule, you keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.