When was the last time you had your car serviced? From oil changes, to tire rotations, to general servicing, your car needs to be checked by a certified mechanic every so often. If you don?t properly care for and maintain your car, it may not last as long as it could otherwise. Cars are an investment that should be handled responsibly so no money goes to waste. All it takes is a quick trip to a an auto repair service near you to find out the status of your car and if any parts need maintenance or replacing.
Interested in learning more about ways to maintain your car to prevent larger issues from occurring down the road? Keep reading for more information about how to make the most of your trips to an auto repair location.
3 Car Parts to Regularly Check On Throughout the Year
Every year, there are a variety of things that could go wrong with your car. By taking some time to maintain, service, and repair your car throughout the year, you can hopefully prevent needing more expensive repairs at a later date. Here are three car parts to have regularly serviced at your local auto shop.
1. Oil changes
Depending on your car type and the type of oil you put in your car, you will need a certain number of oil changes every year. Other factors that come into play are the age of your car and how often you drive your car. Any of these factors could require you to need oil changes more frequently or less frequently during any given year.
Every 5,000 miles, experts recommend you bring your car into the shop for an oil change service. Another way to know if you should consider oil change services is if it?s been more than five months since your last oil change. Be sure to check online for oil change coupons before heading in. If you use oil change coupons for each service, you could save money multiple times throughout the year. Many dealerships and auto shops offer oil change coupons to help keep costs lower and customers happy. With the right oil change coupons, you won?t mind having to change your oil a few times a year.
2. Tire rotation
When you take your car in for your oil change, ask about tire rotation services, too. Every 6,000 miles, experts recommend you get your tires rotated. Instead of going in for an additional appointment to have your tires rotated, you can simply add this to the list of things to do during an oil change appointment. Check with your car manufacturer, too, to learn more about your car?s specific requirements and needs.
3. Brake pad replacements
Each rotor in your car has two brake pads. As you drive and press on the brakes, these pads will wear down. Over time, they wear down so much that it can become dangerous to drive without replacing them. Most experts will tell you that brakes can last for 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Since there?s so much at stake when it comes to making sure your brakes work, remember to have these checked at your regular oil change appointments. If they?re starting to get low, the technician can tell you right away.
If you have to come back for a specific brake services appointment later on, that?s still better than unsafe driving conditions if your brakes stop working while you?re driving. Your brake pads could give out at any moment, especially if they are low so it’s worth the cost of replacing to stay safe. It?s always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your car and making sure that everything is working properly. All it takes is a few appointments a year and asking to make sure the technicians check each of these things.
Have you ever used oil change coupons to get cheaper servicing at your appointments? How often do you get oil changes? Let us know in the comments about your experiences maintaining and repairing your car.