If you’ve owned a car for a very long, you have heard it said that keeping up with the recommended car maintenance schedule is key to keeping your car performing well for as long as possible while also avoiding major repairs. Unfortunately, some vehicle owners think that their budget is too tight and their time is limited, so they put off taking care of the needed maintenance service. But, they may not realize that they could end up spending more money on costly auto repair later on than the cost of the maintenance service would have been in the first place. Plus, the safety of their vehicle is compromised.
So what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Here are some basic guidelines for car maintenance:
- Lights – Replace burned-out or broken bulbs so that they are all working.
- Windshield – Check for cracks or chips and the condition of the wiper blades (replace if more than six months old).
- Car battery – Check the fluid level in the terminals, clean off corrosion build-up around the connections, and make sure it is keeping a strong charge.
- Oil changes – Change the oil at the correct mileage interval, use the right viscosity (for either hot or cold temperatures), and use a good quality filter.
- Air filter – Replace at the recommended interval listed in your owner’s manual.
- Radiator – Make sure that the mixture of coolant and water is correct and at the right level. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks in the hoses.
- Tune up – Replacing failing spark plugs, various belts, and wires, and making timing adjustments will keep your car operating at peak performance.
- Brakes – Inspect the condition of the brake components (pads, rotors, and calipers) at every oil change or tire rotation and replace them as necessary.
- Tires – Check the tread wear frequently and have any cuts or holes repaired. Rotate tires about every 6,000 miles, keep the right inflation pressure in the tires, and maintain the correct alignment and balance.
- Suspension system – Inspect the shocks, wheel bearings, axles, and fluids to maintain good condition.
- Exhaust system – Repair any holes in the muffler and exhaust pipes to prevent a noisy car and leaking toxic fumes.
Trust the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer to know what your vehicle needs to keep operating reliably and safely. Follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage or time interval for these maintenance services.
Need to know more about what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about recommended car maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
If you’ve owned a car for a very long, you have heard it said that keeping up with the recommended car maintenance schedule is key to keeping your car performing well for as long as possible while also avoiding major repairs. Unfortunately, some vehicle owners think that their budget is too tight and their time is limited, so they put off taking care of the needed maintenance service. But, they may not realize that they could end up spending more money on costly auto repair later on than the cost of the maintenance service would have been in the first place. Plus, the safety of their vehicle is compromised.
So what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Here are some basic guidelines for car maintenance:
- Lights – Replace burned-out or broken bulbs so that they are all working.
- Windshield – Check for cracks or chips and the condition of the wiper blades (replace if more than six months old).
- Car battery – Check the fluid level in the terminals, clean off corrosion build-up around the connections, and make sure it is keeping a strong charge.
- Oil changes – Change the oil at the correct mileage interval, use the right viscosity (for either hot or cold temperatures), and use a good quality filter.
- Air filter – Replace at the recommended interval listed in your owner’s manual.
- Radiator – Make sure that the mixture of coolant and water is correct and at the right level. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks in the hoses.
- Tune up – Replacing failing spark plugs, various belts, and wires, and making timing adjustments will keep your car operating at peak performance.
- Brakes – Inspect the condition of the brake components (pads, rotors, and calipers) at every oil change or tire rotation and replace them as necessary.
- Tires – Check the tread wear frequently and have any cuts or holes repaired. Rotate tires about every 6,000 miles, keep the right inflation pressure in the tires, and maintain the correct alignment and balance.
- Suspension system – Inspect the shocks, wheel bearings, axles, and fluids to maintain good condition.
- Exhaust system – Repair any holes in the muffler and exhaust pipes to prevent a noisy car and leaking toxic fumes.
Trust the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer to know what your vehicle needs to keep operating reliably and safely. Follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage or time interval for these maintenance services.
Need to know more about what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about recommended car maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
