To keep your vehicle running for years to come, commit to regular maintenance checks. Staying on top of routine inspections now will save you money and headaches down the road!
Check your tires at least once a month. Make sure they're inflated to the proper pressure listed in the owner's manual or on the tire placard. Under-inflated tires reduce gas mileage and handling, while over-inflated tires wear out faster. Also check for uneven tread wear, which indicates alignment issues.
Change your oil regularly based on the recommendation in your owner's manual. Fresh oil is essential for lubricating and cooling your engine. Don't skimp on oil changes!
Inspect and replace air filters once a year or every 12,000 miles. Clogged air filters reduce airflow and rob your engine of power and acceleration.
Flush and refill other fluids like coolant, brake, and power steering according to the schedule in your manual. These fluids break down over time and need to be replenished to work properly.
Give your car a tune-up once a year or every 30,000 miles. Tune-ups replace spark plugs and fuel filters, check sensors, and ensure everything is in working order. Tune-ups enhance performance, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Stay on top of inspections and fluid changes, rotate your tires, and get routine tune-ups. Your vehicle will reward you with many more miles of dependable service! Keep up the maintenance, and your car can achieve a long, healthy lifespan.
When to Replace Worn Auto Parts
It's exciting to get a new set of wheels, but to keep that new car feeling for years to come, you'll need to replace worn auto parts before they cause damage.
Check Your Filters
Dirty air and oil filters reduce performance and gas mileage. Replace them every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Fresh filters keep your engine running smoothly and improve fuel efficiency.
Examine Your Brakes
Brake pads and rotors wear down over time and miles. Have a mechanic inspect your brakes if you hear squealing, grinding or the brake pedal vibrates. Worn out brake pads can damage rotors, costing you more in the long run. For the best stopping power and safety, replace brake pads every 20,000 to 60,000 miles depending on your driving conditions.
Rotate Those Tires
Tire rotation moves tires to different positions on the axles, preventing uneven tread wear. Most vehicles need rotation every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. It's a quick, inexpensive service that can add thousands of extra miles to your tires' lifespan.
Top Off Fluids
Check and refill windshield wiper, brake, power steering, coolant and transmission fluids regularly according to your owner's manual. Fluids lubricate and protect systems essential to safe driving and handling.
Keeping up with replacement of key trq parts ensures peak performance, efficiency and safety for the road ahead. With the right maintenance, your sweet ride will keep on rolling for miles and years of adventures to come!
DIY or Professional Mechanic? How to Decide for Auto Repairs
When it comes to auto repairs, you have two options: do it yourself or take it to a professional mechanic. How do you decide what’s right for your needs? Here are some tips to help you choose:
DIY if:
- You’re handy and like working on cars. Tackling basic maintenance yourself will save money and allow you to bond with your vehicle.
- The job is relatively straightforward like an oil change, air filter replacement or rotating tires. These are easy to do with minimal mechanical skills.
- You can’t afford expensive mechanic fees at the moment. DIY is a great way to keep your car running when money is tight.
See a mechanic if:
- The problem involves complex systems like the transmission, engine or electrical components. It’s best left to the pros.
- You don’t have the proper tools, jacks or diagnostics equipment. Mechanics have everything needed to safely service a vehicle.
- You’re not comfortable working on cars. No need to risk causing damage due to inexperience. Let an expert handle it.
- Safety is a concern. Brake, steering and suspension repairs impact how your car handles - it’s worth the investment in a mechanic.
- You need a diagnosis. If your “check engine” light comes on or your car is making strange noises, a mechanic can determine the cause and necessary repairs.
ECH SHOPIFY TEAM
Whether you decide to do it yourself or use a mechanic, the most important thing is keeping your vehicle running well and staying safe on the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so don't put off routine maintenance and repair work. Your car will last longer and serve you better when you give it the attention it deserves. Keep calm and drive on!