For many of us today, the economic climate is prohibitive to buying a new car. Keeping the car you have healthy, reliable, and fun to drive is not difficult. It just means spending a little time getting to know your car better and following a simple maintenance program.
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a regular interval service routine. Either check your car manual, or call your trusted automotive shop to learn what those intervals are. In general, it is best to bring your car in for service at 4k, 30k, 60k, 7500k, and 90k mileage intervals. Each service will be an opportunity for your vehicle to be checked and for any problems to be identified.
In between maintenance services, you can help prevent large repair bills by doing the following:
1. check your oil level
2. check your fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering)
3. check tire pressures
4. keep track of time and mileage on your timing belt.
Also, stay in tune with your vehicle; listen for unfamiliar noises, especially when brakes are applied, when turning corners, when driving at high speeds.
Very important: if a check engine light appears on your dash board, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with your trusted auto shop to determine what has caused the light to turn on.
Sticking to a routine maintenance schedule, monitoring fluid levels and tire condition, and listening to and acting on your vehicle’s complaints will result in a car that will serve you for as long as you want it to. It will also save you significant dollars in repair bills over the long term.
Note: Watch for our video series on YouTube www.youtube.com/deansautomtview for more detailed information on taking care of your vehicle(s).
Donna McCord
Owner
Dean’s Automotive, Inc.