How To Manage Your Vehicle’s Service Repair

Why service my car?

As you drive your car, it is subject to the ordinary wear and tear. Tires wear out and you need to replace them. Oil and other liquids degrade and lose their performance. Filters become dirty and clogged.

At first glance, maintenance seems like nothing more than an extra hassle. Having tires turned or oil changed can be cheap, but it’s not free. However, proper maintenance is much cheaper than the alternative. Go without maintenance long enough and sooner or later you’ll find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

Regular maintenance also provides an opportunity to identify long-term problems. For example, you may find small amounts of coolant in your old oil, which can be a symptom of a damaged manifold gasket. If you do nothing about it, a gasket failure like this can cause your entire engine to seize up.

Basic vehicle maintenance

Various maintenance tasks need to be performed more or less frequently. Some things you should check monthly, other things every three months, six months, annually, or even less frequently. Different manufacturers have different recommendations, so take this as a general overview, not gospel.

Every month, you should check your lights. You know if your headlights are damaged, but you should visually verify that your turn signals, running lights, and brake lights are working properly. Check your oil, coolant and other fluids to make sure they are topped up. You should also check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated and that the tread is still intact.

You You should change your oil and filter every three months, although you can do this less frequently if you use certain synthetic oils. While you’re under the hood, take the time to physically inspect your engine. Check the straps to make sure they aren’t dry or cracked and make sure your hoses aren’t leaking or bulging. You should also inspect your battery and cables for corrosion or leaks. You should change your oil and filter every three months, although you can do this less frequently if you use certain synthetic oils.

Every six months Rotate your tires, which compensates for tread wear. Have the battery checked to see if it is still good and replace it if necessary. Inspect the exhaust system for damage, especially rust around the muffler. Some vehicles require the chassis, steering and other parts to be lubricated every six months.

Each year, check your brake pads, rotors and brake fluid level even if the brakes seem to be working fine. It’s also a good idea to replace the cabin air filter (you should replace the engine air filter every three months when you change your oil). You will also need to flush your engine coolant and inspect the shock absorbers and struts. These tasks require special equipment, so you need to let a professional do them for you.

Every two years, check your spark plugs, wires and the rest of your ignition system. Replace the fuel filter and check the transmission oil level. If you drive an automatic transmission, you will need to replace this fluid every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. A manual transmission requires more frequent fluid changes.

You need to address other components to one more long-term basis. Your transfer case and differentials require service after tens of thousands of miles and should be checked by a professional. Your tires can last a few years or up to 10 years depending on how much you drive. If your vehicle has a timing belt, it will also need to be adjusted from time to time.

When should I see a mechanic?

No matter how well you maintain your car, you will eventually experience a mechanical or electrical failure. If this happens then you must have the problem repaired. Paying attention to the symptoms can prevent you from seeing a mechanic before the problem gets worse. There will be warning signs before your car breaks down completely.

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

• The “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” lights indicate something is wrong. A mechanic can use an OBD scanner to quickly identify the reason for the warning light.
• Unusual vibrations can indicate a variety of problems. For example, your tires could be out of balance or one of the motor mounts could be damaged.
• An engine that stalls or is difficult to start could have problems with the injectors, spark plugs, or other engine parts.
• A sudden drop in fuel efficiency could indicate faulty sensors or a leaking fuel injector.
• If your car jerks or jerks when shifting gears, it could indicate a problem with the automatic transmission. Alternatively, it could be a defective sensor. Either way, you want it fixed.
• Many problems can cause poor acceleration. It could mean a mechanical problem with the engine or something as simple as a computer malfunction.
• Soft or inconsistent brakes are a significant safety concern; You should address this immediately. You should also see a mechanic if your brakes are scratching or squeaking; This can be caused by worn brake pads or even worn brake discs.

If you’ve owned your car for more than a few months, you’ll have a good feel for how it performs and handles. In general, any unexplained change in performance should be a cause for concern. Talk to your mechanic and they can help you diagnose the problem.

summary

Vehicle service and repair are part of the life of a car owner. Regular maintenance keeps your car in the best possible condition. And by making any necessary repairs promptly, you protect yourself and other motorists.