Regular vehicle maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. It helps to keep your car running smoothly, improves fuel efficiency, and can extend the life of your vehicle. By catching and addressing issues early on, you can prevent more costly repairs down the road.
One of the most important aspects of regular vehicle maintenance is changing the oil and oil filter. This is typically recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but it is important to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific interval recommended by the manufacturer. Oil helps to lubricate the engine and reduce friction, and the oil filter helps to remove contaminants from the oil. If the oil is not changed regularly, it can become contaminated and break down, leading to engine damage.
Another important aspect of regular vehicle maintenance is checking and replacing the air filter. The air filter helps to remove contaminants from the air entering the engine, and if it becomes clogged, it can reduce the engine's performance and fuel efficiency. It is typically recommended to check the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but again, it is important to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific interval recommended by the manufacturer.
In addition to changing the oil and air filter, regular vehicle maintenance should also include checking and replacing the spark plugs and ignition wires. The spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine, and the ignition wires carry the electrical current from the ignition system to the spark plugs. If these components are not functioning properly, it can lead to engine misfires and reduced fuel efficiency.
Regular vehicle maintenance should also include checking and replacing the brakes and tires. The brakes are an essential safety feature of your vehicle, and if they are not in good condition, it can be dangerous to drive. It is important to have the brakes checked regularly and to replace them when needed. Similarly, the tires are an important safety feature of your vehicle, and if they are worn or not properly inflated, it can impact the handling and stability of your vehicle.
In addition to the mechanical aspects of regular vehicle maintenance, it is also important to take care of the exterior and interior of your vehicle. This includes washing and waxing the exterior, as well as cleaning and protecting the interior. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the exterior and interior of your vehicle can help to preserve its value and appearance. If you ever see the check engine light appear, make sure to book an appointment with Lakeshore Automotive repair in Lower Mission to take a look and solve the issue.
Keeping your tires properly inflated can help to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Proper tire maintenance is very important for the safety and performance of your vehicle. This includes regular tire inflation, rotating the tires, and having them balanced and aligned. It is important to check the tire pressure at least once a month and to make sure they are properly inflated to the recommended level as specified in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire sidewall. Rotating the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles helps to ensure even wear and prolongs the life of the tires. Balancing and aligning the tires can help improve the handling and stability of the vehicle, and it is typically recommended to be done every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Additionally, it is important to inspect the tires for signs of wear, damage, or uneven wear, and to have them replaced if necessary. Browse the
Tire Service page on Lakeshore Automotives website to see how we can serve you.
Overall, regular vehicle maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. It helps to keep your car running smoothly, improves fuel efficiency, and can extend the life of your vehicle. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and taking care of your vehicle, you can help to ensure that it continues to serve you well for many miles to come.
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