What Routine Maintenance Is Required for My Car?
Your vehicle is a machine, and just like any other machine, it needs maintenance. Most vehicles need to be maintained after 5,000 miles, and from there, the cycle continues every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, it is better to check your car more often than this.
Maintenance lets your car run smoothly and safely for much longer than a vehicle that lacks regular upkeep. You will find all the information in your owner’s manual and what you need to do and when you need to do it so that you can stay prepared. The Kruse Automotive Service team in Fort Wayne, IN, would like you to know that you can do most of the basic maintenance tasks yourself by following the advice below.
Get Acquainted With Your Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is a thick book often placed inside the glove box, and your car has one. If you don’t find yours, an electronic copy could be available online. If not, contact your dealer to get one.
In your owner’s manual, check the maintenance schedule section. Check for the intervals to carry out maintenance tasks such as tire rotation, engine oil, hoses, belts, oil filter, and much more. To keep your engine running smoothly, stick to these manufacturer recommendations.
Change the Engine Oil
Newer vehicles no longer require an oil and filter replacement after every 3,000 miles. High-quality oil products and high-efficiency engines have transformed our approach to this service. Some cars don’t need an oil change more than once between 7,000 and 10,000 miles. Because of the efficiency of motor oils and engines, the traditional advice may no longer be correct.
Changing the engine oil is a straightforward way to keep your car in good running condition. If clean oil does not efficiently lubricate the moving parts of the engine, critical damage can occur. Remember, failure to maintain the oil can void your warranty and cause engine failure. In such a case, you will incur expensive auto repairs.
The regularity of changing your car’s oil depends on the type of oil you use. If you use conventional motor oil, most likely, you should change it every 3,000 miles or after three months. However, if you use synthetic oil, you will probably change it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or between 6 and 12 months. So, check your owner’s manual to know the oil recommended for your vehicle.
Check the Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Apart from visual observation, check whether your tires are up to the task using a pressure gauge. Doing so ensures your car’s fuel efficiency and keeps you safe on the road.
Ensure the tire pressure is within the range recommended by the manufacturer. Remember to keep a spare tire and check its tread as well.
It is usual for the entire tire to wear consistently. But an uneven tread could be a sign of misaligned wheels or improper tire inflation. If you notice uneven tread on your tires, consult your auto mechanic in Fort Wayne for inspection.
Check Out the Seals
Your car’s driveshaft, axle, and other seals will eventually wear out. But since they’re out of sight, we always neglect them until we notice a gear lube or transmission fluid stain on the floor, which eventually develops into a big problem.
Replace your seals before they leak to avoid fluid loss, which can culminate into overheating and extreme wear. Bad seals allow contaminants and dirt to access the system. Soon the fluid deteriorates, leading to a breakdown or expensive repairs.
Check Your Brakes
Don’t wait for screeching sounds to know that the brake pads are worn out. Having your brakes examined regularly by an auto mechanic will keep you safe and your car on the road. Never neglect your brakes.
Replace the Timing and Serpentine Belts When Necessary
Most experts recommend replacing your timing belt every 60,000 miles and the serpentine belt approximately every 40,000 miles. Again, check these in your owner’s manual as advised by your manufacturer. If you don’t have the manual, do an online search for your particular car’s actual recommendation and use it as a guideline. Let your mechanic examine the belts when it’s time to replace them, depending on the mileage. If they’re still in excellent condition, don’t change them. But if they are worn out, replace them as soon as possible because if they fail, you will incur expensive damage to other accessories as well.
Check the Air Filter
Most problems in a vehicle occur when the air filters are clogged or if they’re loose-fitting. Air filters prevent dust and other contaminants from accessing your engine, which preserves the engine’s integrity. A dirty filter reduces the engine’s airflow, reducing its fuel economy and performance and reducing the engine’s power. Experts recommend you replace the air filter every 12,000 miles.
Examine Your Battery
One of the most critical components needed for your car to run is the battery. It provides a vast amount of electrical current for the engine, starter, and other electronics in the car. When the battery is exposed to extreme temperatures, its performance reduces. So, test your battery regularly to ensure that it will perform when it is needed.
Check the Spark Plugs and Ignition System
Hard starting, “check engine” light on the dashboard, and rough running indicate that the ignition system components are failing. Your mechanic will plug a computer into your car and search for an error code that will determine what needs to be replaced.
The replacement timing primarily depends on the type of spark plugs installed in the car. Most new vehicles have titanium or iridium spark plugs, which can last up to 100,000 miles. Be careful because cheap spark plugs made of copper are still available, and you need to replace them at 30,000 miles.
Remember, these tips are simply guidelines, and you need to consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer-specific maintenance schedule. Also, avoid aggressive driving because it wears out mechanical parts faster. If you need help with your car maintenance or repair, consult the Kruse Automotive Service experts to receive support.
