There are many days of winter weather ahead so it’s important that your vehicle is up to the challenge of hazardous driving conditions. It’s important to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance any time of year, but it’s especially important in winter. You may be wondering just what car maintenance needs to be done?
It’s fairly common for vehicle owners to add about 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year to their vehicle. This is considered normal wear and tear on all the parts and various operating systems. Most auto technicians recommend a full inspection about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician can evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear, plus any extraordinary wear that could be occurring.
Take a minute to read the service manual for your vehicle. It lists the recommended service schedule, including:
- Change the oil and filter—about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, or every three to five months, depending on your driving conditions.
- Tune-up—Make sure the spark plugs, filters, and hoses are clean and intact. A tune up on older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be about every 10,000-20,000 miles. A tune up on newer vehicles can be anywhere between 30,000-100,000 miles.
- Air filter—Replace about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Timing belt—Replace about every four or five years or about every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Fuel system—Add a fuel system additive or cleaner to the fuel tank about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to improve engine performance.
- Lights—Replace any broken or burned out light bulbs.
- Tires—Check air pressure frequently and have the tires rotated about every 6,000 miles.
- Brakes—Have the brakes inspected about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The brake fluid only needs to be flushed about every two years.
- Radiator—Inspect it periodically for leaks, blockages, contamination, and corrosion/oxidation issues. Every three years or 50,000 to 60,000 miles it may need to be flushed.
- Steering—A power steering system flush is recommended at least every 30,000 miles.
- Transmission—For manuals, change the fluid at least every 20,000 miles. On automatics, the fluid and filter should be changed about every 60,000 miles.
There are several benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, including:
- Your vehicle remains a reliable and safe means of transportation.
- You can save money by preventing expensive car repairs!
- A well-maintained vehicle can help prevent an accident and even save lives!
Want to know about what car maintenance needs to be done? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about the vehicle maintenance schedule and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
There are many days of winter weather ahead so it’s important that your vehicle is up to the challenge of hazardous driving conditions. It’s important to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance any time of year, but it’s especially important in winter. You may be wondering just what car maintenance needs to be done?
It’s fairly common for vehicle owners to add about 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year to their vehicle. This is considered normal wear and tear on all the parts and various operating systems. Most auto technicians recommend a full inspection about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. At that time, the technician can evaluate the operating systems and their components for general wear and tear, plus any extraordinary wear that could be occurring.
Take a minute to read the service manual for your vehicle. It lists the recommended service schedule, including:
- Change the oil and filter—about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, or every three to five months, depending on your driving conditions.
- Tune-up—Make sure the spark plugs, filters, and hoses are clean and intact. A tune up on older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be about every 10,000-20,000 miles. A tune up on newer vehicles can be anywhere between 30,000-100,000 miles.
- Air filter—Replace about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
- Timing belt—Replace about every four or five years or about every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Fuel system—Add a fuel system additive or cleaner to the fuel tank about every 3,000 to 7,000 miles to improve engine performance.
- Lights—Replace any broken or burned out light bulbs.
- Tires—Check air pressure frequently and have the tires rotated about every 6,000 miles.
- Brakes—Have the brakes inspected about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. The brake fluid only needs to be flushed about every two years.
- Radiator—Inspect it periodically for leaks, blockages, contamination, and corrosion/oxidation issues. Every three years or 50,000 to 60,000 miles it may need to be flushed.
- Steering—A power steering system flush is recommended at least every 30,000 miles.
- Transmission—For manuals, change the fluid at least every 20,000 miles. On automatics, the fluid and filter should be changed about every 60,000 miles.
There are several benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, including:
- Your vehicle remains a reliable and safe means of transportation.
- You can save money by preventing expensive car repairs!
- A well-maintained vehicle can help prevent an accident and even save lives!
Want to know about what car maintenance needs to be done? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about the vehicle maintenance schedule and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
