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Express Car Care of Denver

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Should You Stick With The Car Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer Suggests?

May 10, 2020 by Denver Express Car Care

There’s something about driving your car for the very first time.

When you drive it off the lot, everything feels fresh and new. The smell. The touch. Even the way it drives, responding instantly to whatever move you make.

Then you fall into patterns. You drive. And slowly, your vehicle wears down.

Are you paying attention?

That’s why manufacturers have established a car maintenance schedule for every vehicle on the road. If you follow their guidance, you can protect the systems needed for a smooth ride. You prevent damage to the engine, which causes premature damage and wear.

Why a car maintenance schedule is important

Human nature has the belief: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We don’t look for problems, we wait until they surface.

For some things, that works. For your vehicle, it doesn’t.

Do you really want to ignore your brakes until they “break?” Imagine the problems that would create if you’re on your way home from a day of skiing in the Rocky Mountains.

Or what about engine failure? What if that happens late at night as you’re coming home from a road trip, out in the middle of nowhere?

According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry:

  • The average age of a vehicle in the US has increased by 17 percent in the past ten years
  • People are holding on to their vehicles, both new and used, 60 percent longer over the past ten years

Should You Stick With The Car Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer Suggests?The longer you own a vehicle, the more maintenance it’s going to need.

The same report shows older car owners are twice as likely to expect to spend more than $1,000 on a repair, and they are more aware of the work that needs to be performed on a regular basis.

Do you fall into that category?

The people that manufacture your car know everything about your car. Why not trust them to guide you towards the best car maintenance schedule you can follow? It will help you:

  • Save time by being stranded without a vehicle
  • Save money by addressing concerns before they blow up to bigger problems
  • Improve safety by assessing vehicle conditions before they cause you harm
  • Maintain the resale value of your car by keeping it in top condition
  • Create a record of work performed, something that can be invaluable when you decide to sell

What a typical car maintenance schedule looks like

The best place to find out more about your vehicle is by checking your owner’s manual. If you don’t have access to that, let Google be your guide. Simply type in your make and model into Google, and you’ll find a wealth of information pertaining to your car.

Of course, that’s just a starting point. The timing of maintenance intervals depends on a variety of things, such as make and model, how many miles you put on each year, road conditions, driving skills, and more.

What you’ll find are general guidelines. But if you talk with one of our mechanics about your own unique driving patterns, we can help you adjust them to fit better with your lifestyle.

Someone driving down the hill to work each day will have a different maintenance schedule than someone who works from home, logging just a few thousand miles each year running errands around town.

Typically, you can plan on servicing your vehicle about every 30,000 miles. This is a great time to schedule a service appointment to allow a mechanic to evaluate the different systems in your car. They will handle:

  • Replacing the engine air filter
  • Rotating the tires
  • Changing engine oil and replacing the filter
  • Inspecting the coolant system, adding coolant and replacing hoses as necessary
  • Inspecting the braking system, replacing pads and rotors as well as brake line and hoses
  • Inspecting the exhaust system to ensure it’s working correctly
  • Inspecting the transmission system for proper gear placement

Of course, that’s in addition to other routine maintenance visits you should plan out over time.

Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles – every manufacturer will recommend you get an oil change on a regular basis. This flushes new oil throughout the system, and replaces dirty oil filters. Furthermore, it allows a mechanic to take a look for other potential problems as well. Be aware that other fluids such as windshield washer fluid, new wipers, tire checks, and things like coolant and transmission fluid should be checked periodically as well.

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles – be sure to check your battery during this time. Especially new batteries that come with a new car, they aren’t expected to hold their charge beyond the first couple of years, or 15,000 to 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. You should also chick coolant, hoses, filters, the heating and cooling system, brake pads, and all suspension parts.

Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles – start paying attention to the individual parts throughout your vehicle. Continue to check the battery regularly. Replace spark plugs and wires. Inspect the ignition system. Verify the suspension system is working well.

Every 60,000 miles – it’s time for a full-blown inspection. The older your vehicle gets, the more important it is to bring it in for regular maintenance visits. This gives one of our mechanics the chance to learn your car, and to work with you on creating a schedule for maintenance and repair.

What really impacts car maintenance schedule requirements 

It’s worth mentioning again that it isn’t just the mileage you put on your vehicle that determines how frequently it should go in for inspections and repairs. Sitting and not operating are equally tough on your vehicle, just in different ways.

Factors that impact what type of maintenance should be performed include:

How you drive – are you aggressive? Do you push the limits? Do you rarely drive? Your driving behavior will impact which systems wear out quickly, and how your vehicle responds to different maintenance items.

Where you drive – Colorado can be hard on cars. They are exposed to extreme heat and cold, sometimes within days of each other. They face snowy roads, mag-chloride spraying up from the roads, rocks chipping away at the undercarriage. The harsh sun beats down on it almost every day. And then there’s mountain driving. How frequently do you head up into the hills? That can take its toll on how well systems like your brakes fare over time.

Your vehicle – parts matter. Of course, you can find cheap parts online. You can do things yourself, opting for the lowest priced components you can buy. But it will matter in the end.

Your vehicle is something you use every day. It’s a matter of safety for you, your family, and others out on the road.

Are you following your car’s maintenance schedule?

Or are you leaving it to chance?

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Maintenance Schedule

Car Maintenance Schedule

May 22, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Most of us have everything scheduled , whether we realize it or not!  We eat, sleep and play,  all on a schedule that we have created.   So it only makes sense that we schedule regular car maintenance for the vehicles that we use every single day to get us to our other scheduled events!

We’ve put together a car maintenance schedule that should help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

 

Once per month

  • Check your car’s oil level.  Add oil if running low.
  • Check your tire pressure.  Add air as appropriate.
  • Inspect your tires as you check the pressure.  Make sure they aren’t leaking,  or wearing in an uneven pattern, or damaged.
  • Check your coolant or antifreeze.  Add if running low.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid, and add more as needed, especially during high use months.

Once per quarter

  • Change your car’s oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles.  Check your air filter and replace as needed.
  • Check battery, brake, transmission and power steering fluids.  Add fluid if its running low.  Also watch for patterns of low fluids, as it could be a sign of something wrong with your system.
  • Check hoses, belts and cables.  Clean if corroded, and replace when you notice worn, frayed or brittleness.

Once per year

  • Replace the wiper blades to avoid brittleness and smears.
  • Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals.  Replace bulbs as needed.
  • Check the spare tire to make sure it’s fully inflated.
  • Inspect the brakes for signs of wear or damage.
  • Inspect shock absorbers for wear or oil seepage.

Although this schedule should be followed routinely, you should add in extra checks if you have long road trips scheduled so you can ensure your family is safe for a long journey.  Checks and maintenance before you leave can prevent costly mishaps along the way and save you valuable time and money.

If we can help with any of these services give us a call at (303) 691-2760 or come in and see us at the shop.

 

 

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Maintenance Schedule

Car Maintenance Schedule

October 31, 2012 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Even though today is Halloween and you might be bracing yourself for some “frightening” events, a car maintenance schedule doesn’t have to be one of them!  Preparing our car for winter driving shouldn’t be a scary endeavor.  Take a look at this recommended car maintenance schedule and don’t be afraid!

Check the Hoses– Do a visual inspection of the hoses for cracks, leaks,  or loose clamps.  Also feel them to check for spots that might be brittle or spongy, which means they need to be replaced.  Anti-freeze won’t be able to do it’s job if the hoses that carry it through your car’s system are damaged.

  • Flush the Cooling System– The additives contained in the engine coolant (anti-freeze) that lubricate and protect the engine parts from rust and corrosion are depleted over time.  It’s recommended to have the cooling system flushed (old coolant removed) and new coolant added every two to five years depending on your car manufacturer.
  • Test the Electrical System– Have your car’s battery tested and make sure that there isn’t any corrosion on the terminals or clamps.  Check all the cable connections to make sure they are tight.
  • Adjust the Alternator Belt– The alternator is the source of electrical power when your car is running, it also charges the battery.  The alternator belt needs to be adjusted properly.  For older model cars, this needs to be done manually.  Newer cars usually have an automatic tensioner.   Have the belt checked for wear and cracks that signal it’s time to have it replaced.  It’s a good idea to have a trained auto technician do these services.
  • Windshield Cleaning Tools– Make sure the windshield fluid reservoir is filled with a non-freezing solution.  Check the pump and sprayers to see if they are working properly.  If your wiper blades leave spots or streaks, they should be replaced.  You might want to get winter wiper blades that have a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow from building up.
  • Check the Tires– Make sure your tires have an adequate tread depth.  Worn tires should be replaced right away.  Putting snow tires on for the winter is a great idea.  Check the tire pressure.  When the temperature drops, the pressure in your tires will too, so check the tire pressure more often in the winter months than you do in the summer.
  • Brake Inspection and Flush– If you have any existing brake problems, they will get worse in the winter when your traction is reduced.  Have the brakes inspected to make sure they are working properly.  Brake fluid absorbs water and then collects  in the system, it can cause rust, fluid leaks or damage to parts.  To prevent this from happening, most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed every two to three years.  Check your owner’s manual for your car’s recommendations.

Don’t let taking care of your car spook you!  Use this car maintenance schedule and keep your car running smoothly all winter long.

Filed Under: Car Maintenance Tagged With: Car Maintenance Schedule

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

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