All motorists value the importance of having a vehicle that runs properly. In addition to helping them get to the destination, a fully operational vehicle allows them to complete their daily tasks in a safe manner.
Of course, cars and other motorised vehicles will only be able to run smoothly if they’re properly maintained. The lack of regular maintenance can cause the various vital components of vehicles to break down. Unfortunately, when it comes to vehicles, one minor issue can lead to a major problem. This problem can either leave you stranded on the side of the road or with a hefty auto repair bill in the future.
Importance Of Regular Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, one of the main advantages of having your car checked and serviced at regular intervals is to prevent dealing with expensive mechanical repairs. After all, this practice allows you to address minor issues with your vehicle early on and prevent them from turning into serious problems in the future.
Regular maintenance can also help preserve or even boost the value of your car. This is an important factor, especially if you’re planning on selling your car to get a newer model. Having a detailed service record performed by a trusted and established auto repair shop lets potential buyers know that your car is well-maintained and is in good running condition.
Another reason why you should have your car regularly serviced is to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. Aside from the status of your car’s mechanical components, you’ll also be able to check on your vehicle’s various fluids during maintenance checks. Some of these fluids, such as for the radiator, brakes, and power steering, play a vital role in the performance of your vehicle. Making sure that your car runs smoothly and properly can help minimise the risk of accidents.
Car Maintenance Checklist
Checking the various parts of your car can be a bit overwhelming due to its numerous components. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled mechanic or auto repair shop, you’ll be able to easily monitor the status and performance of the different parts of your car.
If you’re planning on doing the inspection yourself, sticking to a checklist containing all the items and components that you need to focus on can make things a lot easier. The simple checklist below features car parts and components that need to be checked regularly. Make sure to repair or replace these if needed.
Belts
- Alternator belt
- Air conditioning compressor belt
- Drive belt
- Fan belt
- Brakes
- Brake pads
- Brake rotors
- Serpentine belt
Drivetrain
- CV joints
- CV axles
- Driveshaft U-joints
- Suspension brackets and bushings
- Shock absorbers/struts
- Tie rods
Engine
- Alternator
- Battery
- Catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensors
- Motor mounts
- Muffler
- Spark plugs
- Timing belt
Filters
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Transmission fluid filter
Fluids
- Engine oil
- Radiator coolant
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Differential fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Hoses
- Brake lines
- Power steering hoses
- Radiator hoses
How Often Should Your Car Be Serviced
It’s ideal to follow your car manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations when it comes to servicing your vehicle. These details, along with the recommended maintenance schedule, can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If you don’t have a manual, you can always check for an online version through the manufacturer’s website.
Although the service requirements of different car models vary, you should always have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year. Other components, such as the tires and oil filters, should be changed once your car has travelled a certain number of kilometres.
As mentioned earlier, enlisting the services of a professional and qualified automotive repair company to inspect and maintain your car regularly can help keep it running smoothly for a long time. Crawford’s Mechanical Solutions, for instance, is a Cobram-based business that features a team of highly skilled tradesmen and professionals. This company can handle automotive repairs and services on all types of vehicles. Also, it provides a thorough itemised vehicle mechanical inspection to ensure that your car is running at optimum efficiency.