Five Maintenance Procedures Your Car Cannot Do Without

People tend to hop into their cars without thinking about all of the things that could be going wrong under the hood. However, you can’t understate the importance of keeping your car in tip-top shape. CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO, as top quality auto repair experts, want you to know about these five auto service items you shouldn’t skip.

Oil Changes

Oil is the lifeblood of a healthy car. Most people know that they have to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but don’t forget that you should also examine your oil level every 1,000 miles just to make sure that everything is as it should be.

Keep your oil changed. It is the easiest thing to overlook and ignore but the most crucial thing anyone can do. We at CARSTAR Arnold see a lot of worn engine parts because of the lack of oil changes.

Tire Maintenance

Properly maintained tires enhance your vehicle's steering, stopping, and traction. Tire pressure ought to be set to the manufacturer’s specifications, which can usually be found in the owners' manual, on a sticker inside fuel filler door, or on the door well of the driver's side door.

It’s vital that you keep your tires inflated to the pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer of the car. Proper inflation keeps your tires wearing properly. Over- or under-inflated wears tires out faster, can negatively affect fuel consumption, and present a safety hazard. Get your tires rotated and balanced every 6,000-8,000 miles and get the alignment checked at least once a year to make sure there are not suspension problems.

Fluids

Checking the other fluids in your vehicle is also very important. Of course, we have already covered how you need to have the oil changed regularly. When you do that, also check all of the fluids including the transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Flush the transmission fluid around every 50,000 miles.

Brake Check

A brake inspection should be part of your vehicle’s ongoing regular maintenance to guarantee safety and reliability. Have your brakes inspected at least once per year or more often if you experience grinding, vibrations, or shaking when you brake. Regardless of the automobile, brakes usually need to be replaced every 20,000-30,000 miles.

Scheduled Maintenance

Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule may lead to loss of warranty coverage, breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and an increased cost of ownership in the long run. Having a certified professional examine your automobile according to these schedules is an opportunity to catch troubles before they get you stuck or turn into bigger repairs.

Build a relationship with an auto body shop. Moving from shop to shop might save a few bucks on certain jobs, but ultimately the only one who'll have any responsibility for the shape of the vehicle will be you. Having a reputable auto body shop you trust means you having somebody looking beneath the hood for any possible problems on a regular basis. A good mechanic, who's familiar with your needs, your expectations, and your car, will help you get the most from the car.

If you're in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Festus, or St. Louis, MO area and do not already have a regular auto body mechanic, think about taking your vehicle to CARSTAR Arnold. They help countless drivers like you keep their automobiles in top performance shape.