We use our cars every day to get to work, to socialize, to shop for food, and much more. They’re such a common part of our everyday lives that it can be easy to take them for granted, and forget that every car on the road is actually a highly complex machine—until something goes wrong, that is.
Like any machines, our cars need regular maintenance to keep working efficiently. Unfortunately, too many automobile owners put off routine maintenance until it’s too late, or overlook it completely.
Keeping up with routine car maintenance is about more than just getting oil changed and tires replaced (though both are essential).
With that in mind, here’s a list of the X most overlooked car maintenance services. If it’s been a while since you’ve had any performed on your vehicle, it might be time for a trip to the mechanic!
There are lots of reasons why wheel alignment is important. Properly aligned wheels are essential for properly handling and safety, and poor alignment can lead to premature tire wear and damage to your car’s suspension among other things.
You should have your wheel alignment looked at least once a year, or more often if you’re in an area with lots of pot holes or rough roads like New England.
Have you ever tried to turn your steering wheel while the car is off? It’s not easy. Without a properly functioning power steering system, turning the wheel would be that difficult all the time, even when the car is in motion. Obviously, this would be a significant safety hazard.
In most vehicles, power steering works with a hydraulic system that requires special power steering fluid. This fluid picks up debris and contaminants over time and needs to be flushed regularly to avoid a total failure of the power steering system.
Most experts recommend power steering service at least every two years or 75,000-100,000 miles.
Your transmission is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, propelling the vehicle forward (or backward) and accommodating the varied range of speeds necessary for things like pulling out of a parking spot or merging onto the highway.
Transmissions can be either manual (stick-shift) or automatic, and in either case they need regular maintenance to stay working for the vehicle’s entire lifespan. At the very least, transmission fluid should be flushed and replaced regularly.
Transmission service is very commonly by car owners avoided for a number of reasons, but without it transmissions fail and need to be replaced completely. This isn’t cheap, and for older vehicles especially can actually mean that the car is effectively totaled.
Have your transmission checked and maintained with new fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation and the advice of your mechanic.
No one likes it when their check engine light comes on. But too many drivers simply ignore their engine lights, or even go so far as to cover it with electrical tape!
An engine light can mean any number of things, from a loose gas cap to faulty oxygen sensors. In any case, it indicates an issue that needs to be resolved immediately.
If your engine light comes on, don’t hesitate or bury your head in the sand; have it diagnosed by your mechanic immediately!
These are just a few of the routine services that every car needs. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your mechanic for more detailed service schedules and recommendations.
If you’re in northern Connecticut, you can have your car serviced by the pros at Tire Country of Enfield, serving Enfield, Somers, Ellington, and surrounding communities. Get in touch to learn more or make an appointment!
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