One of the most important things to do when you own and drive an automobile is to understand the importance of auto maintenance. Your vehicle is an investment, and taking care of it is of utmost importance.
A National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) study found that at least half of consumers neglect routine maintenance, with young people being the least likely to keep up with service schedules. Considering the average cost and complexity of a new vehicle, you may be penny-wise and dollar-foolish if you neglect routine maintenance.
To keep your vehicle operating smoothly, you should have regular oil changes and filter changes. Motor oil is the “life blood” of your engine. Since oil breaks down and gets dirtier with use and age, making sure you have a regular oil change and filter change is one of the easier things you can do to take care of your car.
A tune-up provides preventative maintenance, while identifying and replacing worn parts. They ensure that your vehicle will operate at optimal conditions by maintaining the ideal conditions for normal car operation. Neglecting these basic tasks could result in low gas mileage and damage to critical engine components.
Your manufacturer has designed a maintenance schedule (found in your owner’s manual) around the specific makeup of your particular vehicle. Follow this schedule and your vehicle will deliver optimal performance as you rack up the miles and save you some dough on more expensive replacement parts. You can also look up any Recall or Technical Service Bulletins for your car at Edmund’s Car Maintenance Guide.