When you want in-depth investigation, the best place to go is to the source. For your car, it would be your owner’s manual.

An owner’s manual is crafted from the very people who designed and manufactured your car. They understand how to keep everything in good working condition because they are the ones who picked the parts and put them together. 

This isn’t an easy feat. If you own an Audi R8, it would take you 43 hours to read through the more than 616,064 words. Have a Jeep Gladiator? It’s a mere 11 hours at 158,194 words. And for some, you’ll need a university-level education to fully understand what they’re talking about. Not a car buff? You might drift off a few pages in. 

But if you can’t understand it and don’t have the time to dive in, how do you know the best way to take care of your car? It’s one of your biggest investments; maintaining it should be top priority. 

Luckily, there’s an easier way than taking vacation days to fully absorb manufacturer’s guidelines. Rely on regular auto maintenance visits with your local auto mechanic instead. 

Your Car’s Starting Point

Every new vehicle starts out with a warranty. If your car is less than three years old and has fewer than 36,000 miles, which is the average warranty for new cars, you’re probably covered. This means you can take a trip back to the dealer and they will cover whatever the warranty covers. 

This doesn’t cover wear items like brake pads or oil changes. Your car will still need “routine maintenance” – those items you’ll pay for no matter where you are in your warranty period. 

This starts out with tasks that need to be performed regularly. They keep your car in good working condition. Oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad inspection, and fluid checks are a good place to start. They become even more imperative after your warranty runs out. 

Scheduling Regular Auto Maintenance Visits

The older your car gets, the more maintenance it will need to stay in good operating condition. This is where owners can take one of two roads. 

The first schedules regular auto maintenance visits, choosing to handle routine maintenance items before they turn into bigger repair problems. They work proactively to ensure their vehicles are always in the best condition possible. 

The second avoids regular maintenance and only brings a vehicle in when it’s no longer working. They work on the “emergency only” philosophy, and believe in saving money rather than spending money on routines. 

Obviously, it’s easy to see which method is better for your car and for your wallet. Staying on top of auto maintenance visits will benefit you in several ways:

• It prevents major breakdowns. Regular check-ups can identify potential issues before they become major problems. If you fix small issues early, it will prevent costly repairs down the line.

• It improves safety. Routine maintenance ensures that essential safety components such as brakes, tires, and suspension are in good working order, which in turn reduces the risk of accidents.

• It enhances fuel efficiency. A well-maintained car runs more efficiently, consuming less fuel. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage, saving you money at the pump.

• It maintains the warranty. Many car warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. If you stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, it can protect you from losing warranty coverage.

• It increases resale value. A car with a documented history of regular maintenance is more attractive to buyers and can command a higher resale price. If you tell potential buyers you have a record of regular maintenance, they will be more confident that the vehicle has been well cared for.

• It extends the vehicle’s lifespan. Routine maintenance helps your car run smoothly and efficiently for a longer period. This means you can enjoy your vehicle for more years without needing to invest in a new one prematurely.
• It avoids unexpected breakdowns. Nothing is worse than being broken down by the side of the road. Regular maintenance can reduce the chances of unexpected car trouble, which can be inconvenient and expensive. Isn’t it nice knowing that your car is reliable and ready for any journey?

• It has better performance. Regular tune-ups keep your car’s engine running at its best. Clean spark plugs, fresh fluids, and proper tire alignment contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

• It’s cost-effective. While routine maintenance does have a cost, it is generally much cheaper than emergency repairs. Catching issues early often means simpler, less expensive fixes.

• It gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your car is in good condition can provide peace of mind, especially during long trips or daily commutes. You can drive with confidence, knowing that your vehicle is less likely to encounter problems.

Consult With Your Mechanic

When it comes to keeping your car in good working condition, there are general guidelines or rules of thumb to your approach.

Monthly or every 5,000 miles

• Check oil and coolant levels
• Inspect tire pressure and tread depth
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear

Before a road trip

• Check tire pressure and tread depth
• Inspect brakes and brake pads
• Check fluid levels – oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake fluid
• Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear

Once a year or every 30,000 miles

• Spark plug replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• Belt checks and replacement
• System checks – brake, transmission, engine, suspension, electrical, exhaust, fuel

Again, this varies by manufacturer, make, and model. Instead of looking at your owner’s manual, a better choice might be to partner up with an auto mechanic you can trust. Together they can help you establish a regular maintenance schedule that works for your lifestyle. 

It’s the best way to keep your car in good working condition, for life.