Mechanics schedule maintenance for you because they know just how to keep your car running. Keep reading for why you shouldn\’t delay your scheduled maintenance.
Have you been putting off your scheduled maintenance?
When you look at the costs, it\’s easy to see why. Maintenance for a car with 30,000 miles on the clock can cost up to $247.
However, avoiding it is likely to end up being far more costly in the long run.
Read on to find out why you should keep up with your car maintenance.
Change the Oil
Oil has vital functions within your car\’s engine. It works as a lubricant to control friction between parts and reduce damage and cools the engine, too.
Delaying maintenance of your car means you won\’t be getting oil changes as frequently as you should.
Getting an oil change allows you to spot any signs of leakage, which could cause considerable damage if not taken care of promptly.
If you only use your car for short trips, you may assume that you don\’t require regular oil changes.
You\’d be wrong.
Cars which clock less than 3,500 miles every three months need oil changes more often than most. This is because the engine spends more time being cool than heating up, which causes condensation.
Check the Brakes
If there\’s one part of your car that you want to maintain for your own safety, it\’s the brakes.
Brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, although this depends on their specific type and material.
Leaving them for too long can result in reduced stopping power, which increases the risk of accidents.
Having your brakes looked over by a professional means your brake pads and rotors can be replaced before they\’ve worn down too much, keeping you and your passengers safe.
Replace the Tires
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 11,000 tire-related crashes every year.
Regularly taking your car in for scheduled maintenance means the tread and inflation of your tires will be kept in check, reducing the likelihood of them failing, blowing out, or becoming flat.
Fix Coolant Leaks
The longer you go without maintaining your car, the more time its individual parts have to get worn down. This can result in coolant leaks, which cause the engine to overheat.
A split radiator hose, a damaged hose connection, and an insufficient gasket sealing are just some things that can cause coolant to leak.
All of that is too much to take care of by yourself, so send your car in for regular maintenance by professionals for peace of mind.
How to Keep on Top of Your Scheduled Maintenance
Your car\’s maintenance isn\’t always likely to be high on your to-do list, and it can be hard to keep up with it. However, it\’s important that you do. The longer you put off getting your car checked, the higher your risk of damage is.
So how often should your car be checked over and tuned up?
Read your owner\’s manual to see the mileage checkpoints at which you should get your car looked at, and set yourself reminders to make an appointment with an auto repair shop with competent mechs when you hit those points.