While it’s important to have a reliable Amherst auto repair shop—like Mike Brailey’s Auto—when something goes wrong with your vehicle, you want to do everything you can to avoid the need for major repairs. The best way to do that is with regular preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance won’t guarantee that your car will never need a major repair but will go a long way to extending the life of your vehicle. It helps to keep parts of your car and engine from wearing out too quickly, and it can alert you to issues before they become major problems.
Let’s look at the basics of preventive maintenance with your Amherst auto repair shop.
Oil and Fluid Checks
Regular oil and filter changes are the first steps of preventive maintenance. Oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly without overheating. The filter keeps crud out of the oil that can gum up your engine. But your oil isn’t the only fluid that keeps your car running. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are all necessary to keep your engine and your car in proper working condition. Keep an eye on these fluid levels and top them off or replace them when necessary.
Brake Pads and Rotors
You want your car to go, but you also want it to stop. There are several parts to your braking system, but the two most important are the brake pads and the rotors. The brake pads squeeze the rotors and slow the car down when you depress the brake pedal. Over time, they wear down and need to be replaced.
Tire Rotation
Nothing keeps your car rolling along smoothly like your tires. Depending on how your car and how you drive, you should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. You should also check your tread to make sure that it has not worn down. Your mechanic will also check for uneven wear, which can indicate other problems.
Battery Performance
Keeping your engine running is essential, but it won’t start at all without the battery. A car battery lasts about three to five years before you need to replace it. You should have your mechanic check your battery every so often to make sure it still holds a charge and that the contacts are not corroded. If your battery dies, your car won’t start at all.