Make These 5 Services Part of Your Regular Maintenance Schedule

The last thing you want is your car to give out on you when you’re already out or late for work. But how can you prevent an old vehicle from giving out on you? By never letting it get old! By doing regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your vehicle by months or even years. You’ll need more than an oil change, though – so here are five services that will extend the life of your car.

Regular Oil Changes

Most recommend an oil change be completed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

But if you aren’t sure when to change your oil, you can check the fluid level and cleanliness yourself with the oil cap’s dipstick. If the level is low or the oil is dark, has it changed?

The better your oil condition, the less likely you are to have lubrication or heating problems in the engine, and the better your car will run for longer.

Flushing the Coolant System

Just like an oil change, replacing the coolant in your vehicle keeps it clean and more effective.

But in addition to making sure the fluid in your coolant system is clean, doing a flush of the system also gives the mechanic a chance to look for things like rust, leaks, and damaged parts of the system.

By finding minor issues before they become big problems, this car service can prevent more expensive repairs and increase the longevity of your vehicle.

Changing Brake Pads

You always want to avoid being in a vehicle with brake problems – the risk is too great. But you also can’t prevent degrading brake pads, so regularly checking and changing them is a must.

Some people have pushed their brake pads as far as 30,000 miles, but you should have them replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear and tear at a minimum. Replace them earlier if you hear a grinding noise when braking.

Engine Air Filter Cleaning and Replacement

Replacing your air filter is usually the last thing anyone cares about, but it can actually help extend your car’s life.

Because the air filter catches damage-causing dirt and debris, cleaning and changing it out regularly can prevent engine damage and prolong the life of your engine in general.

Any time you’re getting maintenance, ask your mechanic to clean your air filter – and replace it if needed. It’s a minor piece of maintenance that can make a big difference.

Cleaning the Fuel System

The fuel system is a vital, often-neglected part of a vehicle. By cleaning the fuel system, you can increase the power, fuel economy, and life of your car. It can even improve drivability!

While there isn’t an agreed-upon recommendation for fuel system cleaning, you can talk to your mechanic about what time is best for this car service.

Combining all five of these unexpectedly vital car services can extend your car’s life by several months and miles! Check-in with a mechanic today to find out what standard car service can do for your vehicle.