Car maintenance can save a lot of trouble, and should therefore be a priority for any vehicle owner. Many types of maintenance you can do yourself. Checking tire pressure and engine fluids is simple for most people. Oil changes, brake checks, tire alignments, engine filter changes, and other jobs done at a shop are equally important, but here’s a look at why maintaining your car is so essential, and how you can benefit from it.
Smooth Operation
Fresh oil and a clean filter contribute to a smoother-running engine. Neglecting such maintenance can prevent the engine from running at peak performance and can cause excessive wear on vital, and expensive, parts. Your car’s engine will probably last much longer if it is properly maintained.
Cost Savings
Every time you get maintenance service, it costs a little. But this doesn’t compare to what you’d pay when a worn timing belt snaps and takes a bunch of engine parts out with it. Without maintenance, you might have to pay for brake rotors much sooner. Proper car care can even avoid replacing an engine, which can cost several thousand dollars.
Less Downtime
Stay on schedule with car maintenance and you can save a lot of time. Most maintenance services don’t take very long and can be fit into your daily routine. Major repair work can take many hours, sometimes days, not to mention having your car break down at the most inconvenient time.
A Safer Ride
Improved safety means peace of mind. Whether you are going on a short drive or a long road trip, it’s important to have your brakes checked. A good day will quickly go bad if your brakes fail. An engine problem can leave you in a precarious situation as well; aside from getting stuck, there could be a risk of fire or inhaling toxic fumes.
Tire maintenance, which is as simple as checking and adjusting tire pressure, is critical. If the tires are at the wrong pressure or worn, it can affect traction and increase stopping distance. Low pressure also increases tire wear. The increased friction can overheat your tires. Alignments are also essential as they reduce wear and improve steering control.
A More Valuable Car
If anyone were to consider buying your car one day, they’d first want to know its condition. Maintenance helps keep it in top condition, inside and out. Failing to maintain it may prevent you from selling it, and at the very least reduce the price you get for it.
Maintenance Tips
On a monthly basis, make sure your car is clean and check the lights, tire tread, and inflation; windshield washer fluid should be checked as well. Check your fluids, filters, belts, and hoses every 3,000 miles, and the engine air filter, wiper blades, and chassis lubrication every 6,000 miles. Every 12,000 miles, have your cabin air filter, power steering fluid, and coolant as well as steering and suspension looked at.
If uncertain about your vehicle’s maintenance needs, check the user manual. Also consider keeping a vehicle maintenance log or using a mobile app to track car maintenance.
Lastly, if you’re looking for the perfect car, Car World is the used car dealership you can trust for a wide selection of well-maintained vehicles. We offer aggressive financing, meaning you can drive away with your new car the same day you came in to test drive it. Our on-site service team conducts a multi-point inspection and ensures there are no safety issues with any vehicle sold. Find affordable used cars at our Hawthorne dealership or call 833-219-9951 today.
