April signals the beginning of spring and the ideal time to open up your windows, let the fresh air in, tackle your spring cleaning and make sure you’ve taken care of your vehicle’s preventive maintenance needs. Before the blistering summer heat arrives, take a look at your car’s scheduled maintenance plan and plan to make an appointment with a qualified service center that can check those boxes. Maintain your car in spring so you’re not stranded on your summer road trip!
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Most people are aware their car’s oil and oil filter should be replaced regularly so moving parts stay well-lubricated and can function optimally. Beyond that, many drivers don’t know much about why preventive maintenance is so important. Many drivers don’t think about their car battery until it fails them. If your battery is nearing three years old, it’s time to have it checked. Another neglected part is the cabin air filter. If it’s not replaced regularly, that means occupants are breathing in allergens and pollutants. Additionally, most drivers aren’t aware neglected routine vehicle maintenance is the number one cause of car fires! Keeping up with scheduled maintenance also helps reduce hazardous emissions from your vehicle, which helps everyone breathe easier.
Examples of Preventive Maintenance
Beyond filling up your tank with gas and having the oil and filter replaced, here are other examples of preventive maintenance items:
- Checking belts and hoses for cracks and wear and tear
- Evaluating windshield wiper blades
- Checking brake pads
- Evaluating spark plugs and oxygen sensors
- Rotating and evaluating tires
- Replacing coolant and brake fluid
- Checking and replacing all filters when they’re dirty
If you’re like most vehicle owners, your car is due for at least one of these services or assessments right now. Life is busy. Even the most well-intentioned vehicle owners sometimes forget or procrastinate. That’s precisely why the Car Care Council has designated April as Car Care Awareness Month: to provide a friendly reminder to have your vehicle serviced.
How Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
Not only will regular preventive maintenance help reduce your risks of being stranded and inconvenienced by losing your vehicle while it’s being repaired, but it also will save you money. Obviously a well-maintained car is far less prone to parts failure and the need for expensive repairs. The cost savings go beyond that, though. One day you’ll probably decide to sell your car. When you do, being able to produce receipts proving you’ve maintained your vehicle will increase your car’s resale value. A well-maintained car will also save you money at the gas pump because maintenance boosts your car’s fuel economy.
If your vehicle is due for preventive maintenance, don’t delay scheduling an appointment with DeBoer’s auto service and repair in Hamburg, NJ. If you procrastinate, you run the risk of forgetting about this important task. Contact ustoday and we’ll help you cross this to-do off your list.
