Car experts agree that the best way to maintain your car and prolong its life is by following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Unfortunately, some car owners fail to have their car regularly serviced due to life getting in the way. They often cannot afford to be without their car for a few days.
Instead, these car owners merely keep their tires rotated, and their oil changed. They mistakenly believe that this is enough to prevent their car from breaking down or running poorly. Unfortunately, this is not true. There are many other regular services your vehicle needs to prevent excessive wear, tear and expensive repairs.
So, how do you know what car maintenance is necessary to keep your car running right? Here’s a list of six car maintenance items you need to keep up with in order to keep your vehicle on the road.
#1 Brake Fluid Flush
Brake fluid attracts moisture. It absorbs moisture from the environment, which results in a lowered boiling temperature. This can cause brakes to perform poorly and can increase the possibility of rust and corrosion in the brake system. Manufacturers know this and set specific intervals for brake fluid flushes. These intervals are typically every three years or 36,000 miles.
#2 Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush
Some of the cars sold on today’s car lots use “lifetime transmission fluid.” According to car salesmen, this means that the transmission fluid never needs replacement. However, today’s transmissions work even harder than older vehicles. Cars with lifetime transmission fluid often experience an increased rate of transmission failures. Coincidence? No. It is still recommended that car owners change their transmission fluid every 60,000 miles to prevent transmission breakdowns.
#3 Coolant Flush
Flushing the coolant is necessary to keep your cooling system running smoothly. Manufacturers recommend coolant flushes at least every 60,000 miles. This keeps your coolant from degrading over time. When coolant degrades, the PH balance worsens. This can result in damage to the cooling system, which can be expensive to repair.
#4 Cabin Air Filter
The air filter is responsible for filtering the air coming into the passenger compartment. Many vehicles use either particulate filters or activated charcoal filters. Replacing these filters is usually cheap. Yet, it can help improve the air quality in your vehicle tremendously.
#5 Valve Adjustments
Cars that use mechanical valve lifters need occasional maintenance and adjustments. Failure to make these adjustments can have a big impact on how your vehicle performs. Valves that are too loose or too tight can result in severe damage to the engine.
#6 Brake Pad Replacements
Brake pads are an important part of your car’s ability to stop quickly, especially in inclement weather or in an emergency. Worn brake pads can result in damage to the rotors and other wheel components. Have your brake pads changed when they begin to show signs of wear and tear.
Contact Our German Car Repair Shop in Sacramento
Still a little unsure about what car maintenance is necessary? The trained car service technicians at Silver Star Motors have considerable experience repairing, maintaining, and servicing all varieties of German cars, including Mercedes and BMW. We pride ourselves in helping our customers keep their vehicles running smoothly and efficiently. Our work is reliable, which is why so many of our clients continue to recommend us to their family and friends. Call us at (916) 269-1522 or fill out our contact form for more information.
