If taken care of properly, your vehicle is meant to last a very long time. The way you accomplish this is through preventive vehicle maintenance and by replacing worn items before they break. Proactive car care will also help you avoid unexpected vehicle break downs and repair bills. Your vehicle will run the way it was meant to run, and you will be confident it’s safe to drive. By doing the 8 things outlined in this blog post, you will definitely be able to keep your vehicle on the road for a long time.
- Oil and filter changes should be done on time and by using high quality oil and filters. Doing so definitely extends engine life. If you drive around in a vehicle with old, dirty oil or a poor-quality filter, you risk major engine damage.
- Air filter replacement is important to engine performance and longevity. The engine air filter is designed to keep dirt and debris from entering the engine. Driving around with a clogged engine air filter will result in your vehicle running poorly and will eventually lead to engine damage. When you bring your vehicle into our shop, we will check the air filter and let you know if it needs to be changed.
- Cooling system maintenance is critical to engine life. Coolant (a/k/a antifreeze) is designed to remove heat from the engine while it’s running. It also protects parts in the cooling system against corrosion. If you don’t change it regularly, the engine will run hotter and parts will wear out faster. If you continue to drive with old coolant, you risk an overheated engine or parts in your cooling system could fail. That means you also risk major engine damage. As part of your cooling system maintenance, you should also have belts and hoses replaced before they break. We can do a simple test of the coolant to let you know whether it can adequately protect. Of course, if you have your vehicle maintained in our shop, we will keep track of services performed and will let you know when it’s time to replace the coolant.
- Find an auto repair shop you trust (like Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ) and bring your vehicle there for ALL of its service and repairs. This really make a difference in car care. Bringing your vehicle to multiple shops or using a quick-lube service for oil and filter changes and another shop for repair work can actually put you at a disadvantage. When you bring your vehicle to one shop, they get to know you and your vehicle. They will know what’s been done and what needs to be done. They become your partner and assist you in keeping your vehicle on the road for as long as possible.
- Don’t ignore vehicle problems. Vehicles are pretty good at letting us know when something isn’t quite right. You may notice a decrease in gas mileage. A dashboard light may be on. The engine may be sluggish. The list goes on. If you notice an odd sound, see a leak, smell something funny or your vehicle doesn’t feel right when you are driving it, bring it into the shop. If you continue to drive with it, what typically is a minor item to repair becomes something major. As a side note, it’s helpful to read your owner’s manual to learn about the dashboard lights so when one comes on, you know what to do.
- Driveway Inspections and fluid checks are an ideal way to identify problems. At least once a month, check the air pressure in tires, inspect the tires for uneven wear or low tread depth, check to make sure lights are working, and check the level and condition of vital fluids (oil, coolant, transmission, brake and steering). If you notice a problem, make an appointment to have it fixed right away.
- Keep the exterior of your vehicle clean. The elements and winter road salts can cause damage to vehicle finished and can also cause metal parts to rust. Regular car washes should also include the underbody of your vehicle. You will also want to protect the finish with a waxing.
- Maintain the interior of your vehicle, too. Vacuum the interior regularly and apply protectant to vinyl and leather.
Of course, the optimal way to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible is to bring it to Luke’s Auto Service located in Verona, New Jersey. Call us today to schedule your next vehicle maintenance appointment and learn why area vehicle owners trust our shop for all their auto maintenance and repair needs.