Don’t Ignore These 5 Vehicle Maintenance Tips!

When your car’s running well there’s a strong temptation to neglect the recommended vehicle maintenance items. But as you’ve probably heard from your trusted mechanic: Don’t wait for something to go wrong! By understanding the benefits of car maintenance, you can save yourself a lot of money, plus have peace of mind while behind the wheel.

Here are five vehicle maintenance tips that should not be ignored:

• Check Your Oil -- The various seals in your engine will inevitably deteriorate with age, allowing oil to seep out, allowing for problems from oil contamination to full-on engine seizure. So be sure to check the dipstick (when the engine’s warm) at least two to three times between oil changes. If the oil level drops fairly quickly, don’t just “top it off,” but report the issue to your mechanic before it turns into a big problem.
• Check Your Tires -- Tires play a huge role in your vehicle’s ability to stop and turn effectively, so it’s important that they are maintained properly. So that you can easily check the tire pressure every thousand miles or so (when they’re cold), invest a few dollars in a tire pressure gauge. Compare the inflation pressure with the manufacturer’s recommendations (on the doorjamb or in the owner’s manual), and add air as required. Correctly inflated tires can be the difference between slamming into the car ahead of you and stopping just in time, PLUS you’ll get better fuel economy. Have your tires rotated regularly to promote uniform tread-wear (about every 5,000 miles). If the tread is worn down to the “wear bars,” it is time to order a new set of tires as soon as possible.
• Check the Brakes -- Brakes and tires work together to safely stop your car. Every time your car is in the shop, whether for a tire service or oil change, ask your mechanic to check your brakes. A visual inspection will usually suffice, so it likely won’t cost you a cent unless something’s wrong. But you should always be on the look-out for telltale indications of brake failure, especially squealing noises, pedal softness, and pedal vibration.
• Check the Transmission -- If you’re having transmission problems, have it taken care of BEFORE you end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, at the mercy of whatever garage is close enough to handle the transmission repair. Mechanics don’t generally road-test transmissions unless your vehicle is undergoing a major service. It’s up to you to identify and report signs of transmission trouble in normal driving. Symptoms include clunky shifts, an increasing delay in downshifting, and “slipping” gears. You may just need fresh transmission fluid, but it never hurts to ask your mechanic to check out any problems. 
• Perform All Recommended Services -- It is true that scheduled maintenance can sometimes cost more than you’d prefer to spend, but it’s worth it! Following the appropriate vehicle maintenance service schedule in your owner’s manual, the various parts and systems of your vehicle will work together in harmony.

Are you aware of the benefits of car maintenance? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about vehicle maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and surrounding area.