If there is one major theme all auto mechanics can agree on, it’s that regular maintenance will help extend the life of your vehicle and can prevent most costly repairs. All types of vehicles from older to newer need regular maintenance at set intervals, depending on the service. For the exact specifications based on your vehicle and your driving habits, it is best to ask your mechanic what they recommend or reference your owner’s manual. A good way to set reminders is to make sure you are getting preventative maintenance done seasonally, with basic care done every season, and less frequent services performed every 6 months to a year for typical driving conditions. Your mechanic will have tips and tricks to help you determine what seasonal maintenance may be best for your needs.

The most common maintenance should be done on vehicles every season, or approximately every 3,000 miles under normal conditions. This maintenance should include an oil change, filter check, tire rotation, fluid check, and visual inspection. A routine oil change at most automotive service shops will typically include more than just the replacement of the oil, so ask your mechanic what other services or checks they provide or recommend during this visit. Oil changes are the easiest, most essential routine maintenance, as they help keep the car running smooth and at peak performance. All parts of the engine will run better and longer if the correct oil is being used and changed often enough to keep everything lubricated and free from heat damage. Since this is the maintenance done most often, this is a great time to run a full visual inspection of the belts and hoses, check fluid levels and refill or replace low reservoirs, check and replace dirty or damaged filters, and look for any abnormal signs of wear. Every time an oil change is done, ask your mechanic to also rotate and inspect your tires, as worn down tires can affect your safety and your ride as well. This is especially crucial if you live in an area that experiences vastly different temperatures during the summer and winter months, and if you rely on winter tires to help with driving control.

Bi-annual or maintenance that should be done every 5-6,000 miles will depend on your vehicle and your driving conditions. Live in an area with very rainy summers or snowy winters? Make sure to have your washer fluid replenished and new wiper blades installed. This is also a good timeframe to have batteries checked or even seasonally prepared for ultimate reliability. Fluids should be checked and replaced if needed, such as transmission fluid (for automatic transmissions), brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. If you have an older vehicle, you may want to consider a radiator/coolant flush twice a year as well, as summer and winter are both peak times for your vehicle’s heating and cooling system to be in full use. Also, check with your mechanic to see what is recommended based on the age and use of your vehicle to determine the best schedule for other routine maintenance. Typically once a year is sufficient for most vehicles on services like diagnostics checks, tune-ups, and full brake inspections.

Always use common sense when determining if your car should be looked at. If something feels ‘off’ or the performance of your vehicle has changed, it is best to have it checked out at as soon as possible to prevent breakdowns and more expensive repairs. Many vehicle issues can be caught and corrected during routine maintenance checks. Be honest with your mechanic about what your driving habits and your needs are, many great mechanics will be willing to work with you on planning your maintenance with a schedule that works best for you. Don’t put it off! Stop in today to find out more about routine maintenance- this will help keep you and your loved ones safe and on the road!

Travis Evans is an Auto Repair & Tire industry blogger for http://TiresWholesaleDirect.com. Tire Wholesale Direct provides wholesale tires online, at discount tire prices!

Travis Evans is an Auto Repair & Tire industry blogger for http://TiresWholesaleDirect.com. Tire Wholesale Direct provides wholesale tires online, at discount tire prices!

Author Bio: Travis Evans is an Auto Repair & Tire industry blogger for http://TiresWholesaleDirect.com. Tire Wholesale Direct provides wholesale tires online, at discount tire prices!

Category: Automotive
Keywords: tires, discount tires, wholesale tires online, auto repair, mechanic