scheduled maintenance

You’ve heard it a million times. Routine auto maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in top-notch condition for many years. But just what is “routine auto maintenance?” It’s easy for mechanics to assume you know, but the surprised look on many customer faces tells us they had no idea!

Here are the maintenance and servicing basics you need to stay on top of.

Auto Maintenance Checklist

To maximize the performance and life of your car, bring it in regularly to the mechanic to have these items checked. Some you can take a look at yourself and then bring your car in for service if needed.

• Oil and coolant levels should be checked at least every month and before any long road trips. Low levels may lead to engine problems.
• The engine’s air filter not only regulates air flow, it helps keep out particulate and debris. A properly operating air filter decreases emissions and protects the life of the engine.
• Well-maintained tires are a must for a safe, fuel-efficient ride. Make it a habit to check the tire pressure and tread depth every month or before a long trip or carrying a heavier than normal load. And don’t forget to check the spare! The owner’s manual tells you how much air pressure your tires need.
• There are a lot of important lights on your car. The turn signals, headlights, parking, and brake lights should all be working properly and well-positioned.
• Motor oil is the lifeblood of a smooth ride. It lubricates moving parts, acts as a sealant against particulate, cools the engine, prevents corrosion, and reduces wear and tear. Depending on your car’s age, you should change the oil and filter either every three months or 3000 miles for older cars, or every 5,000-10,000 miles for newer ones.
• Tire rotation extends the life of your tires by more evenly balancing the tread wear that can be affected by things like alignment and usage.
• Waxing your car twice a year keeps it shiny and keeps the paint in good shape. Though the Windsor area doesn’t get the snow other parts of the country does, waxing helps minimize damage from other issues like dust, sand, and ultraviolet light.

In the long-term, make sure to have your transmission, transfer case, and front and/or rear differential fluids checked, the shocks, struts, and spark plugs inspected, and the coolant system flushed. When you bring your car in for routine auto maintenance, your mechanic may also see if the windshield wipers need replacement, do a battery performance check, and recommend new tires.

Routine Auto Maintenance for the Win

Routine auto maintenance takes a little bit of effort, but you don’t have to be a mechanical whiz to keep your car running well. Knowing what needs to be done, and how often, will keep your car in good running condition and make it more valuable when it’s time to resell or trade it in. And the costs associated with routine auto maintenance are typically far less hefty than if you put it off and had expensive repairs down the road.

All Around Auto Repair is conveniently located in Windsor and is Sonoma’s County most trusted source for routine auto maintenance and car repair. We provide all the vehicle-related services you need to keep your car running well any time of the year. Contact us online today to learn more, or call us at 707.837.0646 to schedule an appointment.