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Even though most modern vehicles are incredibly durable, they still require quite a bit of maintenance. Without the proper maintenance, you could quickly run into major mechanical problems that end up costing you thousands. Unfortunately, not all types of maintenance need to be done at the same time. There are many things that you can lump into one appointment at the mechanic, but there are others you should be checking on more regularly.
Fluids
Changing your vehicle’s fluids is one of the most important maintenance tasks you need to do when it comes to your car. Many of your vehicle’s fluids reduce heat and friction, and that will extend the life of all the moving parts considerably. If the fluids are low, though, you may end up with expensive repairs for worn parts as well.
For most modern cars and trucks, the fluids must be flushed and replaced once every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, as a general rule, you should quickly check all of the fluids at least once every two or three weeks if you are driving your vehicle quite a bit. By checking your fluids regularly, you ensure that you catch any low levels before they can harm your car. If you just wait until the next time you hit the mile mark to have your fluids replaced, there may be damage already.
Belts
The lifespan of your car’s belts depends on many different factors, and that includes the age of your vehicle and how often you drive. Whenever you take a look at your vehicle’s fluids, you should also inspect the belts for any signs of damage. As a belt gets older, you might notice that the sides are fraying or that there are small cracks in the rubber. Luckily, changing a belt is typically a relatively easy task that should take a mechanic no more than an hour or two.
Tires
Much like the belts, the lifespan of your vehicle’s tires depends on a few different factors. In most cases, you should ask your mechanic to rotate the tires whenever you have the fluids flushed. When they are rotating the tires, they will be able to inspect them for any signs of premature damage. The tires must be replaced if there is any severe damage to the rubber or if the tread is almost gone.
Tune-Ups
A tune-up is essentially a complete inspection of a vehicle’s moving parts, and it should usually be carried out whenever the fluids are flushed. Newer vehicles can often be tuned with nothing more than a small electronic device that attaches to the OBD port. If your vehicle is more than a decade or two old, then your mechanic might need to manually tune various parts of the engine with specialty tools.
While you should be able to do some minor maintenance on your vehicle, major projects should usually be left to the professionals. Reputable mechanics often offer robust warranties on their services, and that is going to give you peace of mind next time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle.
By Anita Ginsburg
who is a freelance writer and residing in Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. She recommends getting your Nissan tires checked regularly along with the rest of your vehicle.
Member since July, 2019
View all the articles of Anita Ginsburg.
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