Your vehicle is an investment, and you should treat it as such. However, it can be challenging to know where to start if you’ve been hot and cold on your vehicle maintenance. In this article, I'll discuss the benefits of preventative maintenance and give you three things to start with when you begin your dedicated maintenance plan.
Check your fluids.
The fluids in your vehicle are essential for your car's functioning! They need to be changed, flushed and checked at regular intervals. To begin preventative maintenance, I suggest constantly checking your oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. These three things are easy to check and will give you a better picture of how far gone your vehicle is.
Oil change
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates and protects engine parts, helps keep the engine cool, and filters out contaminants that could damage it over time. It helps control engine noise, too.
Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid is essential for the transmission, as it lubricates and cools the gears in your vehicle's transmission. It also helps to keep temperatures low, so your car will shift adequately and avoid overheating.
Changing your transmission fluid at regular intervals is essential because it can help prevent slippage or failure of your vehicle’s transmission system. If you're not sure when you last changed yours, contact us today! We can take a look under the hood and see where your levels are at.
Coolant
Coolant is a fluid that keeps your engine cool by circulating through your cooling system. It helps prevent overheating, but it's also used as a lubricant and cleanser to help reduce corrosion in the engine.
Coolant should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) for maximum safety and efficiency of your car's performance. If you're unsure how often you should be changing your coolant, several signs tell when it may need an adjustment:
- Your car's temperature gauge shoots up suddenly while driving
- You hear noises from under the hood when idling at a stop light
- Your car has difficulty starting
If you’re noticing any of these things, you may want to bring your vehicle to us so we can take a look.
Body and interior cleaning
You may already be doing this one, so you’ll already have one thing you can check off your list! Cleaning your vehicle is actually a part of preventive maintenance, and it’s easy enough to do it at home or pay for one of many services.
Though the interior of your car is an area that you can't see, it's also one that collects a lot of dirt and grime. Regular exterior cleaning sessions are necessary if your car looks good for years to come. Exterior cleaning is also essential, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snowfall (though we don’t get too much of that here in Florida).
Change your tires, rotate them consistently, and get your vehicle aligned.
Changing the tires periodically will ensure they stay at their best without getting worn out prematurely. Additionally, rotating your tires can extend their lifetime. Getting your vehicle aligned can also ensure no more significant problems looming with your car's systems.
Check your preventive maintenance schedule.
Did you know there’s already a helpful guide, likely in your vehicle, with all you need to know? There are many benefits to taking care of your vehicle by following the car manufacturer's recommended preventive maintenance schedule, but having everything laid out for you has to be one of the best! Your owner's manual should tell you when your vehicle needs to replace belts, bolts, and other things based on the mileage.
Check-in with a trusted mechanic, such as Premier Auto Service Center in Cape Coral!
Come visit us at Premier Auto Service Center to begin your preventive maintenance routine. Please call Premier Auto Service Center in 2022, we service tons of vehicles. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we will make sure your day trip is stress-free!
