Essential Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly
Regular Maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely. While some Maintenance items can be done by the owner, other more specific tasks should be left to a Professional Auto Mechanic. Let’s take a look at the essential elements of a good Maintenance Plan.
Oil Changes & Filter Replacements
The most important type of Maintenance for your Vehicle is changing the Oil and replacing the Oil Filter every 3,000-5,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive and what kind of conditions you are driving in, this interval may need to be shortened. Oil Changes are important because they help keep all the moving parts in your Engine lubricated properly which prevents friction and overheating. It also helps keep dust and dirt out of your Engine and helps it run more efficiently.
Tire Rotations & Balance
Another critical part of Regular Maintenance is Tire Rotations and balance checks. It is recommended that your tires get rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles depending on your vehicle’s make and model (check with an Auto Technician to get the exact mileage). This ensures that your Tires wear evenly which ensures better traction, handling, fuel economy, and safety. Additionally, having a tire balance check performed regularly will help extend the life of not only your tires but also other components like Brakes, Shocks/Struts, wheel bearings, etc.
Fluid Checks & Replacements
It is also important to have all of your Fluids checked regularly as part of regular maintenance. This includes Coolant level/condition (should be checked every 12 months or 12k miles), Transmission Fluid (checked every 24 months or 24k miles), Brake Fluid (checked every 24 months or 24k miles), Power Steering Fluid (checked every 24 months or 24k miles), differential fluid (checked every 30k miles), Windshield Washer Fluid (filled as needed). If any of these fluids are low or dirty then they should be topped off or replaced as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to other components. 
Regularly scheduled maintenance can go a long way towards extending the life of your vehicle so it’s important to stay on top of it! While some items can easily be done by yourself like checking tire pressure or topping off fluids here and there, it’s always best practice to take your vehicle into an auto technician for more involved tasks like oil changes or brake repairs/replacements so that they can be done correctly with quality parts that will last longer than aftermarket alternatives. Following these simple tips will help ensure that no matter how many miles you put on your car it will continue running reliably for years down the road!
Start the New Year off right with a Resolution to keep your car in tiptop shape! Regular Maintenance will ensure safe, reliable transportation for years to come. If you're an off-roader or a lead foot driver, make sure to check the manual in your car's glove box. Regular vehicle maintenance can keep your car running smooth and safe while keeping you out of the auto shop! https://www.ricksautoservice.org/appointments
Choosing the team you can trust is key, Rick’s Auto Service with over 44 years performing auto repairs across Northern Indiana. We provide you with expert customer service and knowledgeable ASE Technicians who can diagnosis the problem for most makes and models.
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