scheduled maintenance
Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001
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.
Scheduled Maintenance
We have a lot to say about the importance of Scheduled Maintenance for your vehicle. See our articles below to learn more about how to keep your vehicle in it’s best condition:
Car Shops Near Me: Four Most Popular Kinds of Auto Maintenance
Going to an auto shop that has everything under one roof is a real luxury. Imagine if you had to go to ten different auto shops...one for brakes, one for engine work...you get the idea! Car shops near me like All Around Auto Repair can handle all kinds of vehicle...
4 Great Reasons Not to Put Off Wheel Alignment Any Longer
This blog about Wheel Alignment was updated in February of 2024 Be honest – how often do you think about wheel alignment? Probably about as much as you think about the Orioles winning the World Series this year – not very much. Certified Mechanics Have the...
Hit the Brakes for Your Bi-annual Brake Inspection
A good practice to fall into is getting a brake inspection every six months. Ideally, you'd get your brakes inspected during a tire rotation, and you should get your brake fluid changed out about every year or two. What about more exigent situations, though? The...
Consider Quick and Convenient Auto Service
Folks rightly assume that routine auto service improves the performance of their vehicle and contributes to better fuel economy and long-term reliability. It turns out, though, that getting vehicle service at the service intervals outlined in your owner's manual can...
By the Numbers: Increasing Need for Car Shops in Santa Rosa
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...
Reasons to Reconsider Transmission Fluid Flush or Transmission Service
Without a functioning transmission, you would pretty literally be stuck in literal. Instead of driving around in a Flintstones car, there are steps that you can take today, including scheduling transmission service, to coax optimal performance out of your current...
Personalized Service and Fair Prices at ASE-certified Mechanic Near Me
There are a few unique advantages to going to a mechanic near me that you should know about. The truth is that, while franchised mechanics are good for some things, they might not check all of your boxes. You, ideally, want a personal, local, owner-operated mechanic...
Winterizing Checks and Importance of Vehicle Maintenance
Santa's sleigh is right around the corner, and that means that your own vehicle might be over/due for vehicle maintenance. Regular vehicle maintenance, driving more cautiously, checking your tire tread and air pressure, and keeping a winter emergency kit on board are...
Used Car Inspection at Car Shops in Santa Rosa
You might, naturally enough, think that since your car has a body that all car shops are body shops, but that's not always the case. Some, but certainly not all, car shops are also body shops, and many body shops don't go routine maintenance or under-the-hood repairs....
Brake Inspection with Tire Rotation and Periodically Change Parts
Getting a brake inspection about every six months is the recommendation you'll hear most often from mechanics and technicians. Normally, brake inspections are done with tire rotations during your regular scheduled maintenance - outlined by your manufacturer in your...
Automotive Services
All Around Auto Repair provides maintenance for cars of all makes and models. Our mechanics also service most types of recreational vehicles, boats, and motor homes. We use sophisticated diagnostic computers to find out why your check engine light went on and identify any other problems with your vehicle.
Oil Changes
A regular oil change lubricates your engine in the short term and provides long-term protection by actually cleaning your engine’s parts as it goes about its business of taking you from point A to point B.
Brake Repairs and Replacements
Too many people think that brake problems either mean you need new brake pads or all new brakes. A smart auto mechanic can find other solutions. We love solving problems and educating our customers.
Inspections, Car Care & Tune Ups
Slight vibrations in your steering wheel or brakes that grind and become less effective are surefire, though sometimes subtle, signs that you're overdue for a tune up. Don't wait for the check engine light.
Scheduled Maintenance (30k/60k/90k)
Getting your vehicle serviced is critical to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and on the road for longer. You're probably already pretty familiar with the importance of getting your oil changed, but did you know that this is only one kind of car service that you can get?
Engine Work and Overhauls
Whether you car needs some minor engine work, or a complete disassembly for an overhaul, All Around Auto Repair can help.
Diagnostic Tests
Without a doubt, diagnostics tools make life easier for all of us. Computers and sensors inside your car can alert you to trouble before something bad happens or significantly speed up the search for a solution.
Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Auto experts say that the benefits of maintaining a comfortable temperature far outweigh the marginal increase in fuel economy that you'll get from being sweaty and uncomfortable by going a few degrees warmer.
Transmission Service and Repair
Good transmission service and repair is essential for your vehicle because it will promote optimal performance and prevent the failure of the component.
Clutch Repair and Replacement
Though the quality and lifespan of the typical clutch has improved over the years, it will not last forever. If you have driven your vehicle in excess of 20,000 miles, you should have its clutch inspected at least once a year.
Wheel Alignment
Automobile wheel alignment is an essential aspect of car maintenance that every car owner should prioritize.