All good technicians in Chevy Chase, MD will tell you the key to keeping your car at peak performance means staying up to date on routine auto service. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t follow this basic advice. Instead, they put off oil changes and tune ups, thinking they will take their car in as soon as they start having a problem. This is backward. The routine maintenance and regular checks will help you avoid costly car problems and more extensive repairs. A survey by the Car Care Council noted that: • Overall 89% of cars needed at least one service • 25% had dirty or low engine oil • 18% had filthy air filters • 18% needed new belts • 17% had low coolant levels or inadequate cooling protection • 16% needed new wiper blades • 13% had contaminated or low brake fluid What Happens During a Routine Auto Service? A few routine services the technician consistently performs includes checking: • Dashboard indicator lights • Interior and exterior lamps and lights • Tire condition and inflation • Engine oil level • Oil level • Belts • Hoses • Wiper blades • Windshield washer fluid The best way to learn how and when to maintain your car is the service manual. This factory written booklet will give you recommendations for mileage-based checkups and repairs. However, just as a reference point, here are some general guidelines you can follow for scheduled auto service: Every 3,000 to 7,000 Miles In the past drivers needed to change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or three months. Older cars still need this more frequent maintenance. However, modern vehicles run more efficiently and synthetic additives help prolong oil-life. Now you can drive up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Change the oil more frequently if you drive on dirt roads, often carry heavy loads, or drive in extremely hot or cold climates. Every 15,000 to 30,000 Miles At about 15,000 miles you should get your first service and tune-up. During this appointment, the technician will check over key components like the brake system and transmission. If all is running as expected the technician will simply change the air filter and perform a tire rotation. They will also top off washer fluid where necessary. About 30,000 Miles In addition to the routine maintenance of the 15,000 miles service, the technician will check and replace the transmission fluid, fuel filter, and spark plugs. These will be replaced as needed. Every 35,000 to 50,000 Miles In addition to previous checks and services the technician will check the ignition system. During this scheduled auto service the technician will inspect the wires and contacts on the battery, clean the heads, or replace the battery where necessary. They will also check and replace spark plugs where necessary. About 45,000 Miles Here is where the suspension might start wearing out. This can impact not only your comfort, but also your steering and handling. So the technician will examine the suspension components and recommend any repairs you might require to stay safe on the road. Every 60,000 Miles Here the technician usually pays close attention to the brake pads, brake fluid, and rotors. They will also check coolant, and power steering and transmission fluid. Lastly, they will examine the HVAC system. At Auto Clinic Care we can help keep your car performing in top form. Set up an appointment for routine
auto service in Chevy, Chase, MD or visit us at 5531 Nicholson Ln., Ste. A, Rockville, MD 20852.