Car maintenance is a common expense for all car owners. It can be challenging to know how often you should bring your vehicle in for standard services and what those common services are. However, all car owners need to invest in car maintenance to keep their cars running smoothly all the time.
Common examples of car maintenance services are check engine services to identify any potential engine problems, oil changes to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly, brake inspections and replacements as needed, and tire rotations to ensure even wear on your tires. By investing in these standard services, you can help your car last longer and run more efficiently.
Car Maintenance Should Be a Priority
Not many people know when to get their car serviced or what services they need. This makes it hard for them to keep up with the maintenance of their vehicles. However, car maintenance is a necessity for every car owner. This is because car maintenance can help identify any potential problems that might compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Of course, it’s important to remember that not all cars are the same. Therefore, it’s important to always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often certain services should be carried out. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to take your car to a local mechanic for an inspection.
In the meantime, here are common car maintenance services that every vehicle owner should know about:
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Changing your oil and engine air filter
One of the most important services that you can perform on your car is changing the oil and engine air filter. Not only does this help keep your vehicle running smoothly, but it also helps improve fuel economy and prevents common problems such as carbon buildup. Most mechanics recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.
As for the engine air filter, most mechanics recommend replacing this every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. It’s important to note that your engine air filter may not look dirty, but it can still be clogged with dirt and debris.
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Replacing brake pads
The most common sign of a worn-out brake pad is when you hear squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes. As soon as you hear these noises, head over to your mechanic for an inspection. When your mechanic replaces your brake pads, they will also lubricate the calipers and install new brake hardware (if needed).
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Tire rotation and tire pressure checks
Tire rotation and pressure checks are crucial to ensure your tires are wearing evenly, preventing common problems such as premature wear on the inner edge of the tire. Additionally, rotating your tires helps them last longer since it equalizes their deterioration.
Tire rotation and pressure checks are common car maintenance services that every dedicated driver should perform. Ideally, tire rotations occur every other oil change or about once a year, depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines. It is essential to know the recommended tire pressure for your tires so that you can adjust them accordingly if they feel lower than normal after driving.
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Replacing wiper blades
Wiper blades are important because they keep your windshield clean when it’s raining or snowing. Most wiper blades only last about six months, so replacing them as needed is essential.
You need to make sure that you check your wiper blades because if they are leaving streaks or not clearing the windshield, they might compromise your vision. This will make it harder to see while you’re driving, which can be dangerous.
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Replacing broken headlights
There are times when a car’s headlights might break. This can be a safety hazard, so it’s important to replace them as soon as possible if they are broken. You should also make sure that your headlights are properly aligned because if they’re not, you could get pulled over for having improper lighting on your car.
Prioritizing Car Maintenance Is Important
When people think about common car maintenance services, they typically think of oil changes and tire rotation. In reality, there are many more common car maintenance services that the average person should be aware of.
By prioritizing car maintenance, car owners can ensure that their car is always running efficiently and safely. Having a trusted mechanic will help car owners stay on top of common car maintenance services. This will help prevent them from falling behind on car maintenance matters and having to pay for expensive car repairs down the line.
