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:
Why You Should Never Ignore Small Vibrations in Your Car
Most drivers have felt it at some point—a slight vibration in the steering wheel, a subtle shake through the seat, or a faint tremor when braking, accelerating, or cruising at highway speeds. At first, it may not seem serious. The car still drives, there are no...
Why Your Car Takes Longer to Stop Than It Used To
It’s one of those changes that happens so gradually you almost don’t notice it at first. Your car still stops. The brakes still respond. Everything seems normal. But over time, something feels different. You press the brake pedal, and the car doesn’t slow down as...
Why Your Car Takes Longer to Start
There’s a moment every driver recognizes. You turn the key or press the start button, expecting the engine to fire up instantly, but instead, it hesitates. The engine cranks a little longer than usual. Maybe it sounds slower, weaker, or just slightly off. It still...
How to Double the Life of Your Car
Most drivers don’t think about how long their car could last. They think in terms of years, payments, or when something breaks. But the truth is, modern vehicles are capable of lasting far longer than most people expect, often well beyond 200,000 miles, if they’re...
Why Your Steering Wheel Won’t Return to Center After a Turn
Most drivers expect their steering wheel to naturally return to center after completing a turn. In a properly functioning vehicle, this happens almost automatically. You make the turn, release pressure on the wheel, and the steering system naturally helps guide the...
Why Some Repairs Cost More Than You Expected
Why Some Repairs Cost More Than You Expected Few things are more frustrating than bringing your car into a repair shop expecting a simple fix, only to receive an estimate that’s higher than you anticipated. It’s a common reaction. You might think, “It’s just a small...
Why Preventive Maintenance Is Cheaper Than “Wait and See”
It's a common mindset among drivers: if the car seems to be running fine, there's no reason to spend money on maintenance. No warning lights. No strange noises. No obvious problems. So why fix something that isn't broken? While this approach may seem practical in the...
Why Your Car’s Airflow Matters More Than You Think
When most drivers think about vehicle performance, they focus on fuel. Fuel quality, fuel prices, and fuel economy often get the most attention. But there is another ingredient that is just as critical to your engine's internal performance: air. Your engine doesn't...
What Causes Random Stalling at Stoplights
Few things are more unsettling than your car suddenly shutting off while you're sitting at a red light. One moment everything feels normal. The next, the engine sputters, shakes, and dies. Dashboard warning lights illuminate, traffic begins moving, and you're left...
Why Your Car Gets Great Gas Mileage on the Highway but Struggles in City Traffic
Have you ever noticed that your vehicle seems to sip fuel on the highway but consumes significantly more when driving around town? You're not alone. Many drivers experience a noticeable difference between highway and city fuel economy, even when driving the same...
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.
