Maintaining a vehicle requires a number of tasks and paying careful attention to details. From getting a lube and filter service when it is required to rotating tires on a regular basis. And while none of these tasks cost that much, if these details are not maintained they can lead to very expensive problems. All of the belts and hoses in a vehicle serve very specific purposes, who while no one of them are more important than another, a complete tune up service can help you keep your entire car, truck, or SUV running smoothly.
When you reach the point where your check engine light comes on you are likely already in a spot where you are doing damage to your car. Fortunately, auto mechanic shops offer a number of services, including the required regular lube and filter service.
When Was the Last Time You Had the Oil Changed in Your Vehicle?
Although there are many who think that they do not have the time to check the air in tires before a trip, a recent study conducted by Indiana University estimated that 1.4% of all auto accidents could be attributed to tires that are under-inflated. This simple task of making sure that you are safe for your next road trip is not only about maintaining the tires for this one simple trip, it is also about making sure that the roads are safe for your next trip, but for the other drivers on the road as well.
In addition to regular tire maintenance, vehicle manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 5,000 miles or four months, or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific car. This rather simple task helps you keep others who are on the road. Unfortunately, a recent survey indicated that an estimated 77% of cars were in need of maintenance or repairs. In fact, 10% of all drivers have a check engine light on at any time. And even scarier statistic, however, may be the fact that as many as 50% of those drivers ignore the light for more than three months.
It is important to realize that the vehicle that you drive is often the second most expensive investment most of us will ever make. Knowing that only your house costs more that your car, following through on regular maintenance is essential!