Routine auto care and maintenance are the most important steps that you can take today to ensure a long life for your vehicle. Although each auto manufacturer has its own servicing schedule, there are some general guidelines that most drivers should be following.
First off, your owner’s manual will probably break things down between a regular (i.e., routine) or severe maintenance schedule based on how you drive and the conditions your vehicle’s frequently exposed to.
Things that might put your vehicle in the severe bracket are: a lot of stop-and-go driving and frequent idling, bumpy roads, extreme weather like subzero temperatures, and taking many short trips of five miles or less.
As you can probably tell from the above list, those conditions probably apply to many if not most fleet vehicles and service trucks. You don’t always get to pick the road or the weather when you’re delivering packages!
You can pick your auto care shop, though, and how often you get preventive maintenance on your vehicles. All Around Auto Repair does general care tuneups, brake repairs, engine and transmission servicing, fluid changes, and much more.
Auto Care 101: The Oil Change
The preventive maintenance step that you’re probably most familiar with is getting an oil change. Auto care really starts here. Most car manufacturers say to change your oil about once every 3,000 miles, though you might be able to go slightly longer thanks to better car technology and new synthetic oil blends.
The longest that should go between oil changes is probably 10,000 miles. That’s for very mild driving conditions. For more severe driving conditions (e.g., a lot of stop-go driving and number of cold starts) you shouldn’t go more than 5,000 miles between oil changes.
At All Around Auto Repair your car will be treated right. You’ll be able to go longer between oil changes because the trained technicians at All Around Auto use a combination of synthetic and conventional oils for oil changes.
Mixing the two guarantees that your engine will stay lubricated for longer between oil changes. You might also check your owner’s manual because a lot of newer model cars, vans, and trucks have dynamic oil life monitors.
Oil life monitors track actual driving conditions and whether your driving is putting mild or severe wear on the engine. It used to be that cars just based an oil change around time or mileage in between changes.
Top Off Your Fluids and Get Filters Checked
The folks at the Car Care Council went to thousands of auto care shops and found that 25% of cars had dirty or low engine oil and that 18% had dirty air filters.
Low levels of engine oil mean that you’re not getting enough fuel economy out of your current vehicle, dirty cabin air filters might pose a risk to your health, and the 13% of drivers who had contaminated break fluid might not be able to break in time during an emergency.
It’s simply not worth the risk. When you come in for routine auto care at All Around Auto repair you’ll have your breaks professionally inspected and your automatic transmission fluid, coolant levels, and brake fluid checked.
The trained technicians at All Around Auto Repair are checking for optimal performance. For instance, did you know that low or contaminated brake fluid can lead to pedal fade, overheated brakes, corrosion, and a shorter life for your brake’s hydraulic components? It’s true.
Changing the cabin air filter as well as the engine air filter and fuel filter are essential for getting more life out of your current vehicles. Schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the importance of regular vehicle maintenance?
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for ensuring your car’s longevity, fuel efficiency, and overall safety. By sticking to a maintenance schedule, you’ll prevent breakdowns and avoid costly repairs in the future. Routine checks, such as oil changes, fluid top-offs, and brake inspections, help keep everything running smoothly, especially under severe driving conditions. Skipping routine care can lead to engine failure or transmission issues that cost thousands to fix. A well-maintained car can also increase resale value by up to 10%.
2. How often should I change my car’s oil?
The general recommendation is to change your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. For mild driving, you can extend this up to 7,500 miles, especially with synthetic oils. However, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or your vehicle endures extreme weather, stick closer to the 3,000-mile mark. Newer cars often come with oil life monitors that adjust based on real driving conditions, helping you avoid guessing. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.
3. What fluids should be checked during a vehicle tune-up?
During a tune-up, several critical fluids should be checked, including engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. These fluids are essential for keeping your car’s systems running efficiently and preventing overheating or malfunctioning components. For instance, low brake fluid can lead to brake fade, reducing stopping power and increasing accident risk. Checking and topping off these fluids regularly ensures your vehicle operates safely and smoothly.
4. Why does summer heat affect my tires?
Heat increases tire pressure, which can worsen any existing tire problems. For every 10-degree rise in temperature, tire pressure can increase by about 1 PSI. This excess pressure, combined with road heat, can lead to blowouts, especially if your tires are already worn or have dry rot. Regular tire checks, including pressure and sidewall inspections, can help prevent these issues. In summer, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure more frequently and consider a tire rotation to ensure even wear.
5. How often should I change my cabin air filter?
Your cabin air filter should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. A dirty air filter can decrease air quality inside your car and lead to respiratory issues, particularly for allergy sufferers. Additionally, it can reduce the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning systems. If you frequently drive in dusty or polluted areas, consider checking the filter more often. Clean filters not only improve air quality but also contribute to better fuel efficiency.
6. What are the signs that my brakes need to be checked?
Common signs that your brakes need attention include squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy brake pedal, longer stopping distances, or the car pulling to one side while braking. These symptoms can indicate worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or issues with the brake rotors or calipers. Brake fluid contamination is another hidden danger that can cause brake fade, where the brakes lose effectiveness. Addressing brake problems early can prevent costly repairs and dangerous driving conditions.
7. Why is it important to check my vehicle’s transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid plays a critical role in keeping your car’s transmission system lubricated and cool. If the fluid is low or contaminated, it can lead to overheating and significant damage to the transmission, resulting in costly repairs. Experts recommend checking your transmission fluid at least every 30,000 miles or according to your vehicle’s manual. Keeping the transmission fluid at optimal levels ensures smooth shifting and prevents transmission failure.
8. What is brake fade, and how can it be prevented?
Brake fade occurs when the braking system overheats, causing a temporary reduction in stopping power. This often happens when driving in hot conditions or descending steep hills, as the brakes are working harder to slow the car down. To prevent brake fade, regularly check your brake fluid, and ensure your brake pads are in good condition. Avoid riding the brakes for extended periods, and opt for downshifting when driving downhill to take some pressure off the brake system.
9. How does an engine air filter affect fuel efficiency?
A clean engine air filter helps your car’s engine “breathe” better, improving fuel combustion and efficiency. A clogged filter can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 10%, leading to more trips to the gas station. Over time, this translates to higher fuel costs and increased emissions. Replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions, ensures better performance and fuel savings.
10. Why should I rotate my tires during routine maintenance?
Rotating your tires during routine maintenance ensures even tread wear, which extends the life of your tires and improves handling. Tires wear differently depending on their position, with front tires often wearing faster due to steering. By rotating them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, you’ll get more miles out of your tires and improve safety. Tire rotation also helps prevent uneven tire wear, which can affect traction and fuel efficiency.
