Regular car maintenance: importance and benefits
Your car is one of your most valuable assets and it is important to take care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Regular car maintenance – this is the key to long-term and high-quality operation of your car, and most importantly – your safety. In this article, we will discuss the key benefits of regular maintenance, what it includes, and the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus a professional auto repair shop. We will also talk about what items technical maintenance includes and signs of possible car breakdowns.
6 main advantages of regular maintenance
Carrying out periodic vehicle maintenance provides a number of benefits, which include:
Extending the service life of a car: Routine vehicle maintenance is important to keep your vehicle in optimal condition and extend its lifespan. This approach allows you to avoid expensive repairs and increase the service life of the vehicle, which in turn helps to save financial resources.
Performance improvement: Regular maintenance can improve your vehicle’s performance. For example, changing oil and filters helps reduce engine friction and improve engine performance, while replacing brake pads improves safety when braking.
Increased security: Regular maintenance also improves road safety. During service, specialists check all systems and components of the vehicle, identify possible problems and fix them. This helps prevent accidents caused by vehicle malfunction.
Fuel economy: One of the equally important advantages of regular maintenance is fuel economy and reduced consumption. Clean filters, a properly tuned engine and correct tire pressure help reduce fuel consumption.
Maintaining the Warranty: The manufacturer’s warranty remains in full only if the vehicle is regularly maintained. If the vehicle is within the warranty period, then regular maintenance is a prerequisite for maintaining the warranty.
One of the key factors for normal vehicle operation and safe driving is regular maintenance. If it is carried out in a planned manner and following a schedule, this will allow you to prevent all potential problems or breakdowns in advance and, as a result, avoid emergency situations and unforeseen expensive repairs.
Maintenance includes: 4 main points
At an auto repair shop, a mechanic or technician will check and maintain various components of your vehicle, such as the engine, brakes, tires, and fluids. The specific tasks performed at a service station will depend on the type of service and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, some common tasks include:
Change of oil: During an oil change, the mechanic drains the old oil and replaces it with fresh oil. They can also replace the oil filter.
Tire rotation: Tire rotation involves moving the tires from one position to another to ensure even wear. This will help contribute to the longer life of your tires.
Brake Inspection: A mechanic will typically inspect brake calipers, rotors, and brake pads, rotors, and calipers to make sure they are in good condition. If necessary and sufficiently worn, the brake pads must be replaced.
Adding fluid: A technician should check and top up the missing fluids in your car. The list of required fluids to check usually includes: brake, transmission and coolant.
How often you should schedule vehicle maintenance will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations and your driving habits. For example, some manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 10 thousand km, while others recommend changing it every 5 thousand km.
Do-it-yourself or professional repair
While some car maintenance tasks can be performed by the car owner, others are best left to professionals. Do-it-yourself auto repair can be cost-effective and empowering, but it can also be risky if you don’t have the necessary experience. A mistake during a DIY repair can damage your vehicle and even void your warranty.
Additionally, DIY repairs may take longer and may not be as thorough as professional repairs.
On the other hand, a professional car service is more expensive, but provides a number of advantages. First, professional mechanics have the training, experience, and equipment to identify and fix potential problems. They can also provide documentation of the service, which can be helpful if you need to file a warranty claim or sell your vehicle. Finally, many car manufacturers require regular professional service to maintain your warranty.
Ultimately, the choice between do-it-yourself and professional auto repair will depend on your comfort level, experience, and budget. If you have the skills and experience, you can complete some tasks yourself, but it’s important to know when to seek professional help.
What maintenance tasks can you carry out yourself?
There are several car maintenance tasks you can do yourself to keep your car in good condition. These include:
Checking tire pressure: Correctly adjusting tire pressure can reduce fuel consumption, reduce tire wear and improve handling. Use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure and add air if necessary.
Replacing windshield wipers: Wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on usage. Old windshield wipers can streak or skip, reducing visibility.
Checking the fluid level. Regularly checking and topping up the various fluids in your vehicle, such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, can help prevent damage to your vehicle.
Replacing air filters: Failure to change air filters promptly may result in reduced engine power and fuel efficiency. Replace them at least once a year, or more often if you drive in dusty or dirty conditions.
Signs that your car needs repairs
There are several signs that your car may need servicing, including:
Strange noises. Unusual sounds such as squeaking, grinding, or rattling may indicate problems with your vehicle’s brakes, suspension, or engine. Poor Performance: If your car is running sluggish, has trouble accelerating, or is hard to start, it could indicate a problem with the engine or fuel system.
How to find a reliable car service for servicing your car
Finding a reputable auto service provider is critical to providing high-quality service for your vehicle. Here are some tips on how to find a reliable service provider:
Read reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from other customers to get an idea of the reputation of the service provider.
Check your credentials. Ensure that the service provider is licensed, insured and certified by appropriate industry organizations.
Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family and co-workers to recommend auto service providers they trust.
Conclusion
REMEMBER: If you want to extend the life of your car, then regular maintenance is one of the key factors in this matter, and can also help in more efficient use of fuel and prevention of breakdowns. By taking care of your vehicle through regular service and maintenance, you can ensure it runs smoothly and safely for years to come. You can always contact our car service center, where your car will be happy to receive professional technical assistance.