Preventive maintenance involves many different areas of your vehicle, and often some of them get overlooked. Taking care of small things before they become larger concerns will keep your car running and driving the way it was designed to, making the vehicle more dependable.
Oil And Filter Change
Of all the maintenance items on your car, the first one most people think about is oil changes. The oil in the engine lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction wear, and can help cool the engine during operation. Oil and filter changes are essential preventative maintenance items, and it is vital that you complete the maintenance as scheduled to protect the engine and reciprocating assembly.
Following the three thousand miles or three months rule will keep you on track with your oil changes and ensure that you always have clean, fresh oil in the engine, protecting it from damage as you drive.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotations often get overlooked, but it is a critical preventive maintenance item that can have a significant effect on the way your car drives. Properly rotated tires will last longer and wear more evenly on your vehicle and allow the technician working on the car to look at the tread and sidewalls of each tire to ensure there is no damage hidden from view.
While the tires are off the vehicle, the tech will also have a good view of the suspension, brakes, and steering components under the car. Preventative maintenance should include those items as well, and checking them with each tire rotation is often enough to note problems and make repairs, but only if you rotate the tires on time. Most manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every three to five thousand miles or every oil change.
Hoses And Belts
The hoses and belts on your vehicle are vital to the operation of the engine cooling and charging system. A worn belt can break at any time, stopping the alternator from charging the battery, the water pump from circulating coolant, and the power steering pump from aiding in steering the car.
Each time your car is in the shop for service, the belts should be checked for damage, wear, and glazing. Replacing a belt as soon as you notice a problem is essential, and the service shop handling your preventative maintenance can change it relatively quickly.
Hoses are also critical, so have the tech check the cooling system hoses for damage or swelling. Deformities or bubbles forming on a hose are often signs of a weak spot in the hose and indicate the need for the hose to be replaced right away.
For more information, contact an auto shop in your area, such as Gregs Japanese Auto Parts and Service.
Share15 October 2021
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.