Currently, the average lifespan of a car is almost 12 years. If that doesn’t seem very long, then you’ll want to do everything you can to extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
On that note, it’s important to bring your car in for car service. A technician can thoroughly inspect it and give it a car tune-up to keep it running smoothly.
But how often do you need car maintenance? Go too often, and you’re wasting money. But go too little and you might be putting unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle.
Keep reading to find out how often you need to bring your vehicle in for car service.
Check With the Manufacturer
Unfortunately, there’s no simple and single answer as to how often you need automotive maintenance. It’ll depend on the type of car you have and its brand.
For example, Toyota recommends getting your vehicle serviced every 6 months or 5,000 miles. On the other hand, Nissan says you should get a filter replacement, engine oil replacement, and brake pad inspection every 6 months.
So the best idea is to check with your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to get a better idea.
Look at the Mileage
Many auto shops recommend the 30-60-90 service interval. This is where servicing your car occurs at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.
This is just a general rule of thumb though. If you reach any of those milestones and your car seems to be running ok, then don’t feel like you need to schedule servicing.
However, you’ll want to check your battery, belts, and cables every 3 months or every 3,000 miles. And as for the windshield wiper and transmission fluids, check those every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Check the lights and power steering every 9 months or 9,000 miles.
As for your tires and coolant, check them once a year (or every 12,000 miles).
Keep an Eye Out for Trouble
Just because the manufacturer says you should go in every 6 months doesn’t mean you can’t have your car serviced more often. This is especially true if your vehicle’s on the older side and issues pop up often.
If you notice any of the following, then it’s a good idea to make an appointment:
- Excessive black smoke from the exhaust
- Smoke under the car’s hood
- Weird noises
- Engine shaking
- Engine warning light
A professional like American Service Station will be able to determine what’s broken and fix it up in no time.
Bring Your Vehicle in for Car Service
Car service is important if you want your vehicle to run for as long as it can. So make sure you check with your manufacturer and keep an eye on how your car’s running.
If you notice anything out of place, it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Spending a little bit of money will be worth getting peace of mind about the condition of your car. And if they find anything wrong, you can get it fixed pronto!
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