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When to Schedule Car Maintenance

When to Schedule Car Maintenance

Most car owners know they need to keep up with their vehicle’s maintenance (well, at least we hope they do), but sometimes it gets murky beyond that. How often do I need an oil change? When do I need a new car battery? It’s OK to have these questions, but figuring out their answers is key to keeping your car healthy. Not sure when to schedule car maintenance? We’ll teach you about creating a maintenance schedule for your vehicle that will keep it running at its highest potential.

when to schedule car maintenance

When to Schedule Car Maintenance

What we’ve provided is a standard schedule, but keep in mind that it isn’t completely one-size-fits-all. Your car’s needs may differ based on how old it is, what kind of car it is, how much mileage it has, along with other factors. If you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual, or speak with your local auto professional to see what’s best for your vehicle. That said, here’s a good idea of when you’ll need to schedule maintenance . . .

Motor oil
Putting clean motor oil in your vehicle is one of the best things you can do to keep your engine running well. The guideline to follow here is changing your oil every 5,000 miles, but you’ll want to check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic on this one especially. Keep in mind that the correct type and weight of oil is essential for a good oil change—deviating from what the manufacturer recommends can have negative effects on the car’s performance.

Tire rotation and alignment
Having an auto professional rotate your tires will make sure they wear evenly, prolonging their time on the road. Keeping proper alignment will help with this, too, and will also simply make your drives easier. Many people choose to have this done along with an oil change.

Wiper blades
You’ll want to change your wiper blades every six to twelve months depending on how much you use them/your area’s weather conditions. Updating your windshield wiper blades regularly will keep them in better working order, making it easier for you to see when precipitation hits. This is something you can do yourself if you’re comfortable with it! You can purchase inexpensive blades, but higher quality blades will last you longer and be more effective.

Brake pads
Having functional brake pads is essential for your car. You’ll want to change them every 50,000 or so miles. Being too hard on your brakes will wear them out more quickly, however. Just in case, have your brake pads checked annually by a technician.

Battery
Car batteries last about 5 years before they need replacing. If you live where it gets cold in the winter and know that your battery is on its way out, it is better to replace it before the temperature drops—even if that means getting a new battery a little prematurely. Cold weather makes it even tougher for a dying battery to start. You can check your battery easily yourself with a car battery tester.

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Have some more questions about when to schedule car maintenance? Or, maybe you just discovered it’s time for an oil change. If you’re in southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas, contact the ASE-certified professionals at Seeburg Service Center. While we specialize in muffler and exhaust systems, we offer a wide variety of services—we’ll help you out with your most basic tune-ups or more complicated car problems. Our knowledgable staff is always happy to answer our clients’ questions and help them get more acquainted with how to best maintain their vehicle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us online today. We look forward to serving you!

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