Car Maintenance Schedule: Important for Your Car’s Health

Following a car maintenance schedule sounds harder than it really is. Most new cars come equipped with an array of lights and icons that automatically remind us when it’s time for service. This is really convenient for knowing when to get an oil change. But, for older model vehicles, work vehicles or even new cars that are not driven often, mileage-based maintenance checks may need to be scheduled sooner than the automatic dash light reminders or the mileage-based service manual suggestions.

ROUTINE CAR MAINTENANCE: EASY AS 1,2,3

Having the peace of mind of driving a well-maintained vehicle can’t be beat. A&R Complete Auto Care’s, ATI trained and certified, customer service writers are ready to help find the best car car maintenance schedule to fit your needs.

DETERMINE YOUR DRIVING HABITS

Knowing your driving conditions is the first step in choosing the correct routine car maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Let’s break it down. Your car maintenance schedule depends on a couple of factors: Do you drive in Normal Conditions or in Severe Conditions?

• NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
  If you drive your vehicle about 1000 miles a month (city and highway), drive conservatively in a temperate climate, then you can usually stick to the suggested maintenance schedule found in your owner’s manual. This can help you avoid unnecessary services that you don’t really need while maintaining the integrity and safety of your vehicle.
  
• SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
  However, if you drive your vehicle more than 1500 miles a month, routinely drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, make a lot of short trips, carry heavy cargo, or pull a trailer, then you should arrange for more frequent car maintenance appointments. Aggressive driving, driving in extreme temperatures (hot or cold) or in dusty environments can also wear out your vehicle’s components faster and may require more frequent car maintenance.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Now let’s talk about preventative maintenance. There’s nothing worse than the feeling that your car is ready to break down. Big problems can often be prevented by following your car’s suggested maintenance schedule. Most car manufacturers suggest comprehensive mileage-based maintenance checks at 30,000/60,000/90,000 miles.

• REGULAR MAINTENANCE
• Oil Change: Every 3,000-7,000 miles
• Tires: Air, tread, & rotation

CAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE: MILEAGE-BASED MAINTENANCE CHECKS

• Maintenance Before 30,000 Miles
• Filters: Air & fuel
• Maintenance Before 60,000 Miles
• Brakes: Fluid, pads/shoes, rotors/discs
• Coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Maintenance Before 90,000 Miles
• Spark plugs/ignition system
• Power steering fluids
• Hoses
• Timing belt/timing chain

Getting a qualified and affordable mechanic to do those mileage-based maintenance checks is the second step. A&R Complete Auto Care has ASE certified mechanics ready to take care of your car’s maintenance needs. We are ready to help you.

MAKE YOUR CAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE APPT TODAY

The final step is the easiest. Whether your vehicle needs a minor tune-up, an oil change, or a major overhaul, our trained service technicians are skilled at quickly diagnosing and pinpointing solutions to problems. Let A&R Complete Auto Care save you valuable time and money. Call (931)552-0606 or schedule an online appointment today.