If you want your vehicle to run well and last longer, you need to perform standard preventative maintenance from time to time. It doesn't matter if the car is old or new, foreign or domestic, manual or automatic. It needs to be cared for to keep it safe and performing its best for as long as you own it. Even if you plan to sell it in a couple years, it pays to take care of the vehicle in order to enhance its resale or trade-in value.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
We call it "preventative" maintenance for a reason. It is done to help prevent major problems from happening. These services should be performed proactively rather than waiting for something to go wrong. You will save a lot of money and headaches if you keep up with preventative maintenance. Some common maintenance procedures include:
- Oil Change—Replace the engine oil and filter to prevent engine damage.
- Transmission Service—Replace the transmission filter, fluid and pan gasket to prevent internal transmission damage.
- Brake Service—Inspect the brake's mechanical components, replace worn brake pads, bleed the brake fluid and replace/resurface the rotors or drums as needed.
- Tire Rotation—Rotate the tires regularly to even out tread wear and keep your tires lasting longer. Also check air pressure regularly and keep tires inflated at recommended PSI.
- Fuel System Service—Replace the fuel filter and clean the fuel lines to remove clogs and contaminants that could lead to engine damage or loss of fuel efficiency.
- Cooling System Service—Replace the radiator coolant (antifreeze) and check the water pump, fans and hoses to make sure everything is working right to keep your engine from overheating.
- Exhaust/Emissions System Service—Check the O2 sensors, test the emissions performance and replace any damaged components to improve fuel efficiency, prevent exhaust leaks and protect the engine.
- Suspension Service—Test the suspension, make mechanical adjustments and replace damaged components for better handling and performance.
- Wheel Alignment—Get your wheel alignment checked regularly and realign the wheels as needed for improved handling, even tire tread wear and less stress on brakes, wheels and drivetrain.
- Timing Belt—Replace the timing belt and other fan belts in the vehicle when they start to get loose, frayed or worn out.
All Cars Need Preventative Maintenance
These are some of the most common preventative maintenance procedures you can perform. If your vehicle is old or driven a lot, you may need to perform certain services more often. If your vehicle is new, it still needs to be regularly serviced to maintain its best performance. All cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and work vehicles require routine maintenance. Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you.
For all your automotive maintenance and repair needs in Colorado Springs, call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or schedule your service appointment online.