Today, most people find it hard to live comfortably without a car. Well, vehicles are very efficient since they allow us to move from one point to another at our convenience. A good car is a lifetime investment that should be taken care of. Vehicles reciprocate the care we give them in that, give yours the service it deserves, and it will serve you efficiently for a long time. A recommended way to get the best out of your car is by carrying out scheduled, regular, and preventive maintenance service as outlined by your car’s owner’s manual. If you do this, you will enjoy numerous benefits, as outlined below. Read on;

Why Do I Need to Conduct Regular Maintenance on my Car?

A poorly maintained vehicle will not only be costly for you but risky as well. One of the common reasons why vehicles get involved in an accident is the malfunctioning of one or a few parts. This way, the condition of your car can go a long way to guarantee your safety on the road. Besides, driving a faulty vehicle puts other motorists at risk, a reason why the government stipulates that you need to have your car inspected every few years.

Preventive maintenance on your vehicle is vital for a few reasons, namely;

Improve Fuel Mileage

Your car is made up of different systems that are designed to run together for maximum efficiency. However, these parts can become faulty over time and lose their efficiency. Visiting an auto shop for preventive maintenance will restore these defective parts to their original state and ensure that you are running efficiently. The disadvantage of driving an inefficient car is that it struggles to achieve maximum performance, and it will compensate this by using too much gas. One simple example is the engine oil designed to lubricate moving parts in the engine. Over time, this oil thins out, thus reducing its ability to lubricate the parts well. As a result, there is increased friction between these parts, which is compensated by engine inefficiency and greater fuel consumption. If you wish to get the best value out of the gas, you put in your vehicle, ensure that it is in good condition.

Avoid Severe Damages

Let’s face it; most of the problems affecting your car do not develop overnight. Unless you are involved in an accident, most of these issues build up and become worse when ignored. When they become too significant, they force your car to break down, and here is when you start looking for an auto care expert to come and check it. Well, most of these serious damages can be avoided by preventive auto repair. If you make it a habit of regularly having your car inspected, an auto care expert will quickly point out all the issues that affect it and correct them before they become severe.

Saves Money

Some cars are very resilient and will only stop when the damage is too severe. This way, you could be driving a car around for months with a malfunctioned system that is slowly affecting other parts. A good example is the timing belt, which should be replaced after 50,000 miles. You should heed this recommendation and replace it rather than deal with the consequences of a snapped belt. Once it snaps, it will affect the valves and force you to replace them, something that will cost you a lot of money. If you wish to get value for money out of your car and avoid costly repairs, ensure that you visit an auto shop frequently. This way, you will minimize instances where you are required to do an expensive overhaul.

Peace of Mind

There is no greater feeling than having the peace of mind that your car won’t leave you stranded on the way. A vehicle that is not serviced is a ticking bomb that could stop even in the middle of the night, and leave you in danger. It can also stop in the middle of a highway and pose a risk to you and other motorists. By conducting regular preventive maintenance, you will be assured that the chances of your car leaving you stranded are minimal, and you can go about your travels with a minimum fuss.

What Does Preventive Maintenance Entail?

Car Fluid Change

Cars have various fluids that need to be changed after hitting the recommended mileage. The primary fluid is the engine oil that should be changed depending on the number of miles stated. Note that there are different types of engine oil, and each of them has a specific set of miles, for instance, 3000, 5000, 7000, and 9000 miles. If you buy a new car, ensure that you change the oil after 500 miles. This is because a new car needs a grace period where different engine components start to move together, and tiny pieces of metal break off and mix with the engine oil. At 500 miles, the engine will already be in sync, and an oil change will flush out debris and keep the engine healthy. The other fluid that you should check is the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil.

Transmissions Inspection

This is arguable the most expensive part of your car when it comes to repairing. Without it, your vehicle cannot move as it is responsible for converting power from the engine to enable the wheels to move. To avoid issues with the transmission, it is paramount to schedule a transmission check and a fluid flush to ensure it is working optimally.

Belt Change

Your car has a couple of belts that help the engine run, most notably the timing belt, fan belt, power steering belt, and drive belt. These belts are made of rubber, and after miles of running, they start to wear off. Do not let them snap as they could significantly affect your engine, specifically the timing belt. When you visit an auto shop for preventive maintenance, they should inspect the condition of your belts and replace them to keep them from snapping.

Brake and Tire Inspection

Faulty brakes can be extremely catastrophic. Your car should always have good functional brakes, and the rule of thumb is that you should check them every time you perform an oil change. Brake systems vary, and an auto care expert will advise you whether it is time to replace the lining, brake pads, or brake fluid. If your tires wear out, your brakes won’t work optimally, and you need to know whether to rotate them or buy new ones.

Bottomline

Preventive auto care is paramount, and if you want to avoid nasty sunrises, do not ignore it. Your car was designed to last for many years, but this will only happen if you give it the care it deserves. Serious damages such as engine knocks will force you to start looking at aftermarket parts that will degrade the quality of your car, besides costing you a lot of money. It is better to spend a little money regularly on your vehicle as it remains in top condition rather than spend a lump sum to correct a serious problem. Note that some of these serious damages will affect your car to the extent that it might never regain its original power and efficiency.

Note that not all auto care shops are good and do your homework to ensure that you get a reliable one. One good auto care shop you should consider is https://heartautocare.com serving the Evanston, Northbrook, and Wilmette areas in Illinois. This is a reliable auto care center with experienced professionals who will conduct the necessary preventive maintenance to ensure that your car is in top condition.