p>Our auto technicians at
Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City want to remind you about the preventative maintenance you need to do on your car and when. Your vehicle will run better and longer when you pay attention to the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule. Our technicians can also help you decide when maintenance is due based on the condition of your vehicle and your driving needs.
Here are some suggestions from a Life Hacker article that really spell out how to determine when your car needs maintenance.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual has your car’s suggested regular maintenance schedule. It will have suggestions for oil changes, filter changes, drive and timing belt changes, and many other maintenance items. It also offers important information specific to your car, like what kind of gas and oil works best.
If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, it can void your vehicle warranty or cause damage. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, you can usually find the manuals online.
Preventive Maintenance Every Vehicle Needs
Regular preventative maintenance may cost you a little upfront but it will probably save you a lot more from not having expensive repairs. In fact, regular oil changes are one of the single most important maintenance items you can do to improve the longevity of your car.
Doan Inspection
Every now and then you should give your car a visual inspection to see if anything looks wrong to you. Check and make sure your lights work. Every month check the air pressure in your tires, which is important to get better mileage. Listen for strange sounds. Look at your tire treads.
Fluids
Check your antifreeze, power steering, coolant, and wiper fluid. You should also have your transmission fluid or antifreeze checked. Don’t ignore leaks that can lead to more serious damage and expensive repairs. If you don’t know how to check all your fluids, come by the shop and a Ponder Auto Repair technician will take care of it for you.
Belts
Inspect your timing and serpentine belts and replace them if needed. Generally, the timing belt is replaced around 60,000 miles, and the serpentine belt is replaced around 40,000 miles. But your owner’s manual will tell you specifically about your make and model. Our auto technicians can also give you advice about your car by looking at the wear and tear on the belts. It’s important to get the belts replaced because when a belt fails, your car will break down and can experience damage.
Oil
You need to periodically check your oil. Check your manual for suggested mileage for oil changes, but you should also let our technicians take a look at your oil. Sometimes an oil change may be recommended for a change at 3,000 miles but depending on your usage it may last 10,000 miles. We can help you make that decision.
Battery
Look at your battery. Clean the contacts with a battery cleaning brush and make sure there’s no mineral or buildup on the contacts. Make sure the battery is not leaking. If your battery isn’t working it can leave you stranded, and that’s never fun.
Windshield Wipers
Replace your windshield wipers when they stop wiping the windshield completely. Sometimes it can get a little streaked. They’re not expensive and a clear windshield is important.
Cabin Air Filter
Replace your cabin air filter. It will make your ride more comfortable.
Engine Air Filter
If your engine air filter is dirty you should replace it before contaminants get into your engine and wreak havoc. Again, a little prevention goes a long way.
Tires
Your tires should be rotated and balanced. Also, check your alignment. Rotating your tires will help your tires wear evenly, last longer, and get a smoother ride. Your alignment is just as important.
Spark Plugs
Don’t let your spark plugs get worn out or covered in buildup because if will affect your engine’s efficiency. Many manuals will recommend replacing spark plugs around 30,000 miles.
Our auto technicians at Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City will help figure out all the preventative maintenance you need to do on your car and when. Your car, truck, or SUV will run better and last longer when you take care of it, and we’re here to help. Call or contact us today and let’s get your vehicle on the road to optimal health.