Let’s get one thing straight right away: all car maintenance is important. Keeping your car in good health is crucial for a variety of reasons: it extends the life of the vehicle, it prevents dangerous accidents, it improves your vehicle’s performance, and it will save you money in the long run. If you don’t invest in your car’s maintenance now, you could end up paying for a major malfunction in the future. And although all maintenance is critical and should not be overlooked, out of curiosity or caution, you might be wondering what is considered the most important car maintenance . . .

Most Important Car Maintenance

CHANGING THE OIL

The oil in your car must be regularly checked to ensure that it is at the right level. In addition, it must be changed a few times each year (check your manufacturer’s guidelines for specifics). It is critical that you put the right oil in your vehicle at the right intervals. Neglecting this simple maintenance could seriously damage your engine.

INSPECTING THE TIRES

Your tires should be inspected regularly to ensure that the tire pressure is sufficient, as low tire pressure can lead to weakened tires and possibly even a blowout. Tires should also be rotated and balanced periodically to extend their life span.

REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS

Your brake pads will wear down over time due to extensive friction, and if you don’t replace them, they will damage your rotors and lessen your brakes’ effectiveness. To prevent costly and harmful ramifications, have your brake pads inspected and replaced regularly.

REPLACING THE AIR FILTER

Your air filters clog as your engine runs, reducing airflow and wearing down the engine’s metal parts. Replace your air filter every 6,000 miles or so to increase your engine’s life and prevent a pricey repair.

CHECKING THE BATTERY

Every so often, test your battery to make sure it can hold a charge and check the tightness of the cables. Keep an eye on the battery’s date as well, because you will want to replace it before it leaves you stranded somewhere. Most car batteries will last three to five years.

CHECKING THE BELTS & HOSES

Damaged belts and hoses can harm other parts of your car, so if yours are worn out, have them replaced before they fail and cause a leak or breakdown. Your owner’s manual should provide guidelines regarding when you should have the belts and hoses replaced.

CHECKING THE FLUIDS

Check your fluids and add more when necessary (or have the fluid replaced). These fluids include your transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. If you spot a leak, contact your mechanic. Finally, be sure to have these fluids flushed and replaced (following the manufacturer’s guidelines) to improve the longevity of several vital components.

_____

These aren’t the only maintenance tasks you need to monitor and complete, but they are amongst the most important. To ensure that your vehicle has a long and healthy life, keep a log of your vehicle’s age, mileage, and maintenance, and schedule regular check-ups with your mechanic.

Speaking of which, are you looking for a new mechanic? If you’re located in Springfield (MO) or northwest Arkansas, give ASE-certified Seeburg Service Center a call. Although we specialize in mufflers and exhaust system repairs, we also perform a variety of auto repairs and maintenance, including oil changes, alignments, and brake repairs. Our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly mechanics will work hard to get you back on the road ASAP. To get started, please contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!