Owning a car offers convenient mobility. However, without proper maintenance, it can become costly and unsafe. Regular servicing—at least once a year—helps prevent breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and extends your vehicle’s lifespan.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to worn brakes, engine trouble, and poor performance, increasing the risk of accidents and expensive repairs. Issues like low tire pressure or old fluids can also compromise safety and efficiency.
Follow these expert maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly and reliably and avoid potential problems.
Importance of Car Maintenance
Every vehicle has a lot of moving parts, and every one of them compliments one another. Neglecting a single component can affect other parts, leading to a domino of malfunctions. By following your regular maintenance schedule, you can avoid this costly trouble. Here are the full benefits you’ll get by following your maintenance checklist.
- Prevents unexpected breakdowns – Avoid getting stuck at the side of the round or any place. Maintaining your car is key to spotting the warning signs of malfunctions before they happen.
- Increases fuel efficiency – An unkept car engine gobbles up fuel. Over time, the engine degrades and loses its performance and fuel efficiency. With proper maintenance, you can slow down the engine wear and maintain its ideal function.
- Extends vehicle lifespan – Taking care of essential components can prolong your car’s usability. Even with extended mileage, your car can still function well if you regularly visit your mechanic.
- Enhances driving safety – Regular checks help prevent accidents caused by faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or engine malfunctions. A mechanic will spot potential risks in your car before they lead to a crash.
- Maintains resale value – They say a car is one of the fastest assets to depreciate. While this is true to some extent, you can still protect your vehicle’s value with proper maintenance. A used car that looks and drives well can still fetch a good sum. When selling, show your maintenance records to build credibility and trust from your potential buyers.
- Reduces long-term costs—Preventative maintenance minimizes expensive repairs and replacements in the future. It’s better to pay for regular inspections than a hefty fee for avoidable repairs.
How often should you take your car in for a checkup?
The best way to know is to refer to your owner’s manual. Your manufacturer recommends the ideal interval between maintenance. However, your mechanic can also recommend specific intervals based on many factors. For example, you’ll need more frequent maintenance if your car is past its expected lifespan or mileage. Your driving habits and the conditions you drive in also have their influence.
Here’s the most common interval for regular car checkups.
- Every 5,000–7,500 miles – Basic maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks.
- Every 15,000 miles – Brake inspections, air filter replacements, and battery checks.
- Every 30,000 miles – Spark plug replacements, transmission fluid changes, and cooling system inspections.
- Annually – A comprehensive service including engine diagnostics, alignment, and emission checks.
How much does car maintenance cost?
There’s no uniform cost for all vehicle maintenance. Like the interval, many factors also contribute to varying maintenance costs. For one, there’s a higher charge for commercial vehicles. Bigger private vehicles like pick-up trucks also cost more than their smaller counterparts. This is mainly due to the costlier price of their heavier and more complex parts.
Here’s an estimate of common maintenance expenses:
- Oil Change: $35–$75 (every 5,000–7,500 miles)
- Tire Rotation & Balance: $20–$50 (every 5,000–7,500 miles)
- Brake Inspection & Replacement: $150–$600 (as needed)
- Battery Replacement: $100–$300 (every 3–5 years)
- Transmission Fluid Change: $100–$250 (every 30,000–60,000 miles)
It’s understandable if you think maintenance is expensive. But it’s best to stick with your recommended checkup frequency to avoid more expensive services. Think of your car maintenance as a long-term investment. It prevents more hefty repairs and protects your car’s resale value.
General guidelines for car maintenance
To keep your vehicle in peak condition, follow these general maintenance practices:
- Check the oil and fluid levels regularly. Always check your engine oil stick, especially before and after long trips. Neglecting this step is the most common cause of overheating and engine parts wear.
- Inspect tire pressure and tread wear. Use a handy tire pressure monitor to ensure your tires are properly inflated. Also, ensure your tire treads are still road-worthy. One classic way of checking your car tire tread is through the “penny test.” Insert a penny into the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a tire change.
- Monitor brake pads and brake fluid. Listen for squeaking or grinding sounds when braking. Worn brake pads reduce stopping power and can damage rotors. Check brake fluid levels and replace dirty or low fluid.
- Test the battery periodically. Weak batteries can leave you stranded in extreme weather. Check for corrosion on terminals and clean them if needed. Suppose your car struggles to start, test, or replace the battery.
- Keep the engine and air filters clean. A dirty engine air filter reduces performance and fuel efficiency. The cabin air filter keeps the air inside fresh and clean. Replace filters if they look clogged or dirty.
- Check belts and hoses for wear. Cracked belts or brittle hoses can lead to breakdowns. Inspect them for fraying, leaks, or looseness. Replace worn-out parts before they fail.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and breakdowns. Check your car’s manual for service intervals. Sticking to the schedule keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
Key components to check during service
There are car components that require more attention than others. They are the most important parts that help power the car and ensure it functions as it should. Here are the most valuable car parts you should give extra attention to:
Starter motor
Do you hear that crisp whirring or cranking sound when you start your car? That’s your starter motor in action. This device is responsible for turning the engine over. If it’s compromised, starting your car becomes harder. A starter motor often lasts between 100,000 and 150,000 miles before replacement, but it can also malfunction early.
If your starter motor sounds odd, like clicking, grinding, or whining, it may indicate a problem. It could be due to a faulty solenoid or corroded connections within the motor. Other times, it’s due to low power from your car battery.
Alternator
If you suspect low power is causing your starter motor to struggle, another device could be the main culprit. Low power doesn’t always mean a faulty battery. It can also be due to a compromised alternator that fails to recharge your power supply.
Every time you drive, the alternator rotates and recharges your battery. If it’s not functioning as it should, you’ll be left with a drained battery, no matter how new your battery is. Make sure it always gets checked by your mechanic. Especially if your battery warning light flashes—it could be the reason.
Battery
A drained battery is something you should not take lightly. After all, your car wouldn’t even start if the battery can’t power up the starter motor. On top of that, you’ll risk ruining other electrical devices in your car if you insist on running on a low battery charge.
Battery health should be checked every few months, and replacements should occur every 3–5 years. Always ensure your mechanic checks your battery for the right voltage.
Other Key Components
- Engine Oil & Filters: Keeps the engine lubricated and prevents overheating.
- Tires: Proper inflation and tread depth ensure road grip and fuel efficiency.
- Brakes: Essential for safety; check brake pads and fluid levels regularly.
- Fluids: Transmission, coolant, and power steering fluids should be checked periodically.
Signs That My Car Needs Maintenance
Ignoring warning signs can lead to costly repairs. Here are some common indicators that your car needs servicing:
- Warning lights on the dashboard – Indicates potential issues with the engine, oil levels, or battery.
- Unusual noises – Squealing, grinding, or knocking sounds may signal problems with brakes, belts, or the engine.
- Reduced fuel efficiency – A drop in mileage can indicate dirty air filters, faulty spark plugs, or engine issues.
- Vibrations or pulling while driving – This could be caused by alignment issues, worn-out tires, or brake problems.
- Smoke or burning smell – Indicates overheating, oil leaks, or electrical issues.
If you notice any of these signs, get your car checked immediately to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Regular car maintenance is crucial for ensuring performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Following recommended service schedules and being aware of warning signs can extend your vehicle’s lifespan and avoid expensive repairs.
Taking proactive care of your car not only keeps it running smoothly but also enhances your driving experience and maintains its resale value. Prioritize routine checkups and follow expert maintenance tips to keep your car in top condition for years to come.