In order to maximize the value, performance, and life of your vehicle, you should make regular servicing and maintenance a priority. While certain parts of your vehicle only need to be checked on every so often, other parts of your vehicle should be checked up on more frequently and regularly in order to ensure your safety as well as the longevity of your car.
You may be surprised how often people do permanent, and expensive, damage to their car because they forgot to have it serviced. That’s why it is so important to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule as well as its service interval record.
Knowing your vehicle as well as being aware of what needs to be implemented in its care is key to maintaining it properly. Stay familiar with your owner’s manual as it will most likely give you all the answers you need. If you have more questions or concerns, or want to have a better understanding of your car and how it works, you should turn to your trusted mechanic at your regular McKinney car service.
Your vehicle’s checkups
There are different types of checkups, short-term and long-term. Refer to these checklists in order to gain a better understanding of what should take place at each different type of checkup.
For your short-term checkups
- Oil, coolant, and other fluid levels
You should get into the habit of regularly checking on your car’s various levels every month and especially before any sort of road trip. Check on the levels in your car from oil to coolant levels. If your fluid levels run too low it can lead to major problems, including permanent issues within your engine. - Air filter
Your car’s air filter helps keep your engine clean and clear of debris. If your air filter is working properly your car will have better gas mileage, keep your engine healthier, and decrease your fuel emissions. - Oil and filter
Oil plays a significant role in the operation of your vehicle. It keeps vital parts lubricated, keeps your engine cool, prevents corrosion, and more. How often you need to have your oil and oil filter changed is dependent on your vehicle’s make and model as well as external factors like how you drive it and the environment you drive it in. You can refer to your owner’s manual and consult with a professional mechanic in order to obtain more information on how often you should be changing your oil and oil filter. - Tires: air pressure and treading and rotation
You should check on your tire’s air pressure at least once a month and before going on any long trips in your car. Depending on how often you drive your car and on what terrain, you may have more or less wear and tear on the tread of your tires. You can have your tires rotated in order to extend their life and balance out the wear and tear. - Headlights, brake lights, turning signals, and reversing lights
You should check that all of your car’s lights are working in order to make sure you stay safe on the road as well as avoid traffic fines. Go around your car about once a month to make sure all your turn signals, head lights, and such are working properly.
You should also stay aware of other things on your car that may need tending to after every couple of years or so (once again this is dependent upon you and your vehicle’s driving habits). Be sure to look out for when to address the following:
- Replacing your windshield wipers
- Checking on your battery’s performance
- Swapping out your tires for new ones
For your long-term checkups
Long-term checkups need to take place more sparingly. Refer to your owner’s manual and trusted mechanic to learn when to do long-term checkups. While performing long-term checkups you will want to check out your vehicle’s:
- Transmission fluid
- Shocks and struts
- Spark plugs
- Belts and fans
- Transfer case fluid
- Coolant fluid exchange
- Front/rear differential
When it comes to car maintenance in McKinney, finding a trusted and caring car shop can be difficult. Here at Nortex Lube & Tune our expert team will be one that you can rely on. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for a checkup, repair, or regular maintenance, contact us today.