Understanding the Importance of Regular Maintenance at Your Auto Shop
If you want your vehicle to run as well as possible, then it’s essential to get routine maintenance done. This includes oil changes, window wiper replacements, air filters, and other car repair tasks.
Avoiding using these services can lead to expensive repairs and lower resale value. Following a regular car maintenance schedule can save money and prevent costly repairs.
Oil Change
If you want your car to run smoothly, then a consistent oil change is one of the most important preventative maintenance services you can get. Motor oil lubricates your engine to prevent overheating and helps the system keep cool. It also removes heat and absorbs by-products of combustion. But first, you need to find a reliable auto shop in Atlanta to maintain your vehicle’s peak performance.
The oil in your car becomes less slippery and effective over time, so you need to have it changed regularly. When you get an oil change, our mechanic drains the old oil and replaces it with new, clean motor oil based on your manufacturer’s recommendations.
The mechanic may recommend conventional, synthetic, or a blend of both. Synthetic oil is more refined and is known to last longer than traditional oils. It could improve gas mileage by 1-2%. It costs a little more upfront but will save you money in the long run by keeping your car running smoothly for years.
Tire Rotation
A tire rotation is a regular car service that involves moving your tires from one position on your vehicle to another. Because they support the weight of the engine, the steering, and the braking force (if your car has front-wheel drive), the front tires typically deteriorate more quickly.
A well-maintained set of tires is essential for road safety and performance. However, tires can start to wear unevenly if not rotated regularly. This can lead to a loss of tread depth, which reduces road traction and makes it more challenging to maintain control of your vehicle.
Regular tire rotation, typically every 5,000 miles or at each oil change, helps your tires to wear evenly. This can help extend their life, maintain proper handling balance, and ensure any manufacturer’s tread life warranty remains valid. Plus, it allows you to inspect your tires for damage and have them rebalanced if necessary. This can also make for a smoother ride quality and improved fuel efficiency.
Brake Check
Brake checking is a maneuver where the driver of a vehicle slams on their brakes for no apparent reason, causing the car behind them to slam on their brakes or take evasive action. This type of aggressive driving behavior is illegal in many states and can be considered a form of road rage.
Drivers who engage in brake checking often do so because they feel that the vehicle in front of them is tailgating them. However, tailgating is an unsafe and annoying driving practice that can lead to serious rear-end collisions.
Brake checking takes this type of aggressive driving to a whole new level and can cause severe injury for the victim involved in an accident. In addition, the perpetrator of brake checking may be guilty of insurance fraud, as this is a common way for people to attempt to get money from their insurance companies following a rear-end collision. This severe crime can be prosecuted under modified comparative negligence laws in some states.
Check Your Lights
In most cars, the owner’s manual will suggest a set mileage that signals the time for an oil change. Some carmakers have added a service indicator light to illuminate when you approach this milestone.
Keeping up with routine maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and avoids the expense of costly repairs or breakdowns. If you are in an accident, being well-maintained can also help you avoid the potential for serious legal issues.
It’s easy to forget to check things like your windshield wipers or the tire pressure in your tires, but following a routine car maintenance schedule can help you stay safe and on the road. Even minor issues can be expensive if ignored, and it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive. For instance, driving with a burned-out headlight could result in a traffic ticket and put you and other drivers at risk. Ensure that all your lights are working correctly and replace them when necessary.