You don’t want to spend a lot of money getting your car fixed. So, regular preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do to improve the longevity of your vehicle. It not only keeps your car running properly, but saves you money in the long run. For the average car owner, it can be difficult to know what to do, where to go, and when. So here are a few things about routine car maintenance and auto repair you need to know.
Any certified mechanic in Sacramento will tell you about the importance of routine maintenance. Getting oil changes and regular checks on your car is just like the checkups you get at the doctor. Professional technicians know what to look for and can diagnose and catch problems early before they grow into a major expense. Ultimately routine care on your vehicle can save you thousands of dollars, and isn’t something you should ignore. It all starts with reading the owner’s manual.
Get to Know Your Car First
Some repair places say you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles, but that is usually a myth. Your vehicle owner’s manual will lay out the exact maintenance schedule you should follow to keep your car in tip top shape, including how often you need to change the oil. It also tells you the right gas to use and when to change your filters, drive belts, and more. This type of maintenance varies widely by make and model. Once you know the specifics to your car you can take charge of your maintenance schedule and get authored service from a certified technician at proper intervals.
You can learn how to perform your own inspection and how to check the fluids in your vehicle. This seems fairly basic, but if you give your car periodic checks you should be able to spot anything unusual before it becomes a bigger problem. A few things to regularly inspect are the tire pressure, oil levels, wiper fluid, coolant and antifreeze. You should also listen to the engine, both inside and out, and take note of any new or strange sounds. If you notice something awry you can get your car to a technician right away.
Schedule for Routine Car Maintenance and Repairs
There is no one size fits all formula. Routine care often depends on the type of vehicle and the type of driving you do. However, here are some approximate intervals several manufacturers recommend car owners follow.
Oil and Filter Every 3,000 to 7,000 Miles
For most modern cars, getting an oil change every 3,000 miles is being overly cautious. Today synthetic oils have an improved lifespan and getting the oil changed too often is just wasteful. More and more often technicians replace oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Generally, if your style of driving requires a lot of stopping or slowing, then you might need to replace the oil sooner.
Full Service at 15,000 to 30,000 Miles
Most manufacturers recommend a 25,000 mile service to make sure your car doesn’t wear out too quickly. Technicians usually check the battery, air filter, fuel filter, and power steering fluid. They also inspect the HVAC system, radiator hoses, cooling system, and brake pads. At 15,000 miles they might rotate tires and perform another oil change.
Replace Battery at 35,000 to 50,000 Miles
If it has held up this long, it is probably time to replace the battery. Technicians will also check suspension, spark plugs, wires, and your ignition system around 40,000 miles. If everything is intact they will check everything again in 5,000 miles.
Replace Brake Pads at 60,000 Miles
Here the technician performs all the same checks as the 30,000 service, but might also replace belts, valves, and hoses that have started wearing out. The mechanic will also replace brake pads, filters, coolant, and steering fluid as needed.
Long Term Spark Plugs at 100,000 Miles
By this point you should have the hang of your routine maintenance schedule, but there are still a few things techs need to check that they haven’t before. These include orange coolant or long-life spark plugs. Otherwise 100k is pretty much like any other check.
If you need help maintaining this service schedule, be sure to consult with certified technicians in Sacramento who are familiar with auto repairs and routine maintenance. They will help you keep your car in the best possible shape for the long run.