Auto Repair FAQs – Car Care Answers
Q: Why does my vehicle need routine maintenance?
A: According to the Automotive Service Association, 5% of all motor vehicle fatalities are caused by neglectful auto maintenance. 5% may not seem like a very large number, but keep in mind we’re talking about fatal accidents. If you could eliminate your risk of death in a car crash by 5% with a few simple maintenance tasks, wouldn’t you do it?
In addition to making your vehicle safer for you, your family and other drivers on the road, routine auto maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle. It may even reduce your vehicle’s gas consumption, helping your wallet and the environment!
Q: What routine maintenance does my vehicle need, and how often does it need it?
A: We’ve compiled this basic list of routine maintenance services to help auto owners better understand their vehicles’ maintenance needs. Of course, all these tasks are included in our routine Pit Stop service!
Oil changes – Motor oil is what keeps the most valuable part of your vehicle – the engine – running smoothly and at safe temperatures. Exactly how often oil should be changed depends on the vehicle and oil used, but a good rule of thumb is every 3-4,000 miles, or every three months. Consult your owner’s manual or ask our auto technicians what timeline is most appropriate for your vehicle.
Fluid checks & changes – Brake, power steering, transmission, windshield washer and antifreeze fluids are all important to your vehicle’s safe operation – and to the safety of its components. We recommend most of these fluids be checked each month.
Tire air pressure – Under inflated tires will cause your vehicle to lose fuel efficiency and can cause unsafe, “splashy” steering. To maintain top efficiency and safety, tire pressure should be checked each month.
Engine tuning – Burnt spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%, placing extra strain on engine components. Have your engine inspected every 1-3 months.
Chassis lubrication – Not as commonly talked about, this maintenance step helps to keep the moving components in your vehicle’s suspension system in good working condition, extending the life of these potentially costly components.
Battery maintenance & cleaning – Battery cables, posts and fluid should be checked every 3,000 miles, right along with oil changes. Dirty or corroded posts and cable connections can result in poor battery connection, which may cause inefficient operation and/or failed ignition.
Lighting – Headlights, tail lights and turn signals need to be maintained in order to keep drivers safe. Unless you check these regularly yourself, they should be checked at each oil change.
Windshield wiper blades – In Michigan, inclement weather can hit unexpectedly, and driving with a dirty windshield is dangerous. Wiper blades do become brittle over time, so they need to be checked at each oil change and replaced at least every six months.
Engine belts – Worn or cracked engine belts can affect engine performance, and broken belts can cause severe damage. Check with your auto service provider to see how often these can be checked on your vehicle.
Air filters – Dirty air filters can impede your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and overall performance. These should be checked every other oil change.
