Preventive maintenance is key to saving money on car repairs

Spending several hundred dollars every year on vehicles that seem to be running just fine doesn’t sound like a good idea on the surface, but maintaining your car or truck has a big impact on your bottom line. Not only does regular auto repair prevent bigger, costlier repairs, but it preventive maintenance also helps prolong the life of your vehicle.

Another reason why staying on top of preventive maintenance is valuable? If you decide to sell your car, that maintenance record can help you sell your vehicle quicker and for a higher price.

Here’s a list of items that drivers need to be aware of on a more-frequent basis.

• Change the oil and oil filter regularly (about every 3,000 miles).
• Check all the fluids (brake, power steering, transmission, transaxle, windshield washer and antifreeze) monthly.
• Check the air pressure level in your tires at least once a month. The correct pressure required is shown on a sticker in the driver’s side door or glove box and in the owner’s manual, not on the tire.
• Make sure your headlights, turn signals, brake lights and taillights work. This should be done once a month.
• Replace the windshield wiper blades when they start to crack or tear, or leave streaks.
• Inspect the engine belts.
• Change the air filter as needed.
• Check monthly for chipped/scratched paint and repair as needed.

In addition to the above items, there are a number of more in-depth items that need checked at various intervals, such as at 12,000, 15,000, 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. These are listed in your owner’s manual, and we can let you know what needs done when.

Taking the time now will result in a better running, safer vehicle in the long run. Need preventive maintenance performed? Schedule online or give us a call today.