How Often Should You Do Basic Maintenance on Your Car?

Maintenance is vital to the health of your car.

What does regular car maintenance include?

On a regular basis, you should bring your car in for a car tune up as well as replace consumable items such as motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads. Some vehicles also require mechanical maintenance like replacing spark plugs, drive belts, timing belts or chains, and air and fluid filters.

Belts and hoses wear out over time. Rubber hoses can crack or swell, which leads to leaks that could leave you stranded. As your car approaches 100,000 miles, a check of hoses for the radiator, power brakes and power steering are a necessity.

How often should you take your car in for maintenance?

Many manufacturers set up basic maintenance at intervals of 30,000 miles. So certain items should be inspected and changed as needed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The engine oil should be changed more often, usually at 7,500 to 10,000 miles depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and whether your vehicle uses standard or synthetic motor oil.

What are signs that my car needs a tune up?

If your car is not performing as well as it should, tell your technician what’s happening. If the car is hesitating, lacks acceleration or has trouble starting, a tune up may be the ticket. Tell your technician what you feel and hear when the car starts acting up. Of course, if the check engine light or service engine lights are illuminated, take your car in for inspection and service as soon as possible.

About Peninsula Auto Body

We live and work within the San Francisco Peninsula area. Our commitment to the community extends from helping our customers to helping our team members and right into the community itself. At Peninsula Auto Body, we are neighbors helping neighbors, especially after an automotive accident. From towing to filing claims to making sure you have transportation while we fix your vehicle, as your