Why is car maintenance important ?
Imagine having to go to your local auto repair shop. You may groan, thinking "what is this going to cost me now?" But it doesn't have to be this way.. Many car owners only visit a shop when there is something wrong - and usually, this means costly repair jobs. Though going any other time than when your car is in trouble may seem tedious or unnecessary, it is vital to be fully aware of your car's health. Just like going to your own doctor for check ups, your car needs to go to an "auto doctor."
Safety
How safe one's vehicle should be of the utmost importance of any car owner. Whether you have of one of the latest models or the nicest looking of cars, it makes no difference if it is not safe to take out on the road. Endangering the life of you, your passengers, other passengers, or pedestrians is a very serious issue. As a responsible car owner, this should always be kept in mind. Speeding at 85mph while you know your lower control arms are damaged or your axles are leaking, would not be a smart risk to take. Cars that are well-maintained can break down too - it happens and so do accidents, but prevention is key.
Coming In On Your Time
Besides safety issues, coming in regularly to check your car will only be beneficial for you. You are able to come in on your time, and this in turn, will save you from any inconveniences.
You will not have to worry about getting to the shop in a hurry or having to take off from work. Instead working around a busy schedule, you can make an appointment with ease and pick your appointment time, instead of getting fit into one!
If you are in no rush, the technician won't be forced to rush either and can provide you with his absolute best work.
Diagnosis of Other Important Problems
It is the job of a mechanic to fix your car in the best possible way. By bringing your car on a regular basis, you can prevent minor problems before they turn major! For example, one cause of squeaky brakes can be from dirty pads or low brake fluid levels. Coming in for checks on a regular basis can prevent the squeaking from starting altogether as well as reduce the risks of accidents caused by brake malfunction.
Constant checks will give your mechanic an opportunity to diagnose other problems that you may not even be aware of before too late. And most repair shops check the status of your belts, brakes, and tires at no cost. Remember, we want to keep you safe!
Saving You Money $
If you bring your car on time, it can save you money the first time! If you never rotate your tires, they will not wear evenly. You will spend hundreds on new tires than much less than a hundred if you would have rotating a few times a year.
Of course, just by rotating them does not mean you would never need tires, but it would be mean you would need them much later than sooner. Changing your brakes when needed helps prevent damage to your calipers.. replacing your bearings helps prevent damage to the hub, etc. etc. What does that mean for you? The more you can prevent replacing, the more money in your pocket!
Extending Your Car's Performance and Life
Reliability is one of the most important factors for people when shopping for a car. But what if you can help extend your car's performance without having to actually go out buy another car? Repairs can go a long way in helping improve how long your car will last and how it performs along the way. Oxygen sensors that need to be replaced can have immediate results, such as adding more miles to your gas tank. On the flip side, not replacing them when needed can: waste your gas mileage, cause damage to catalytic converter, and possible damage to engine, depending on the mixture/ratio of gas and 02.
It is our job to let you know how your car is running so it can perform its best. Simple, preventative maintenance and repairs can result in safer and more dependable vehicles.
Being Green
Studies show that 10% of the U.S.'s automobiles causes 50% of the automotive pollution, directly impacting the environment! If the emissions in your vehicle are working properly, you are helping yourself and those around you. Each day your bad catalytic converter is not changed, you and all those around you are breathing in those gases. In this way, taking care of the environment starts with taking care of your vehicle.
Maintenance Tips
Money can be a one of the biggest, if not the biggest issue with car repairs. However, a car is an investment - in it, your health, and your safety, as well as that of your loving family and friends. So, where do you start? Book that next appointment! When there, ask your mechanic to check everything over. You can even do this at every oil change. Depending on the type of oil change you get, you should be changing it between 3-5k miles. Most mechanic shops leave a sticker on the windshield letting you know when your next one is due. Here are some things you can do between oil changes:
Check the oil level - not having sufficient oil can cause damage do your motor as well having too much
Check fluids - check all fluids in general. That includes power steering, brake fluid, windshield washer, and especially antifreeze!
Check tire pressure - having too little or too much air have negative effects on your tires
Listen out for an unusual sounds. If you hear any, bring it to your mechanic as soon as you can
Be wary of your lights - make sure your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, directional lights are working at all times. Besides possibly getting a ticket, having even one light out can cause an accident!
Whenever you go to a repair shop, be sure to get your receipt with the work description of what was fixed on your vehicle. Ask them to write any recommendations as well, so you are aware the status of your car. It is best to go somewhere you trust most; or if you don’t have a mechanic, ask for a recommendation of one from family / friends. A good mechanic should be able to explain to you what how replacing the part needed will improve your car and answer any other questions you may have.