Many car owners fail to take their cars in for maintenance in a timely manner. Why? It’s not because they purposely choose to do so, it’s because they don’t know when they should! According to the Denver car repair experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair, there are basic rules you should follow. Here are a few of them:
Don’t follow the 3,000 mile rule.
You’ve probably been told that you need to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles, but that’s not necessarily true. Newer types of synthetic oil have a longer lifespan than other kinds of oil, so it’s not necessary to bring your car in for an oil change right when you hit that 3,000 mark. Today, manufacturers recommend coming in every 5,000 to 7,500 miles instead. However, if you do a lot of stopping and starting while you drive, you may want to bring your car in sooner rather than later. Constantly having to stop your vehicle uses a lot of oil, so you should talk to your mechanic to find out when it’s time for a change.
Look for visibility.
It’s important to have windshield wipers that are properly functioning, otherwise you may be in danger the next time you get stuck on the road in the rain. How can you tell when it’s time to get new windshield wipers? Test them once in awhile by spraying cleaner on your windshield and turning on the wipers. If the wipers leave a streak behind, they are beginning to wear down and should probably be replaced.
Check the owner’s manual.
Every car is unique, so you should always read the owner’s manual to find out what the manufacturer recommends when it comes to maintenance. For example, an owner’s manual will tell you the appropriate tire pressure for your tires, and how often you need to have them rotated. An owner’s manual will also tell you when you should replace belts, filters, spark plugs, and other important parts of the vehicle. If you bought a used car that did not come with a manual, either contact the manufacturer and ask for it, or search for one online that you can reference.
Schedule checks when you reach milestones.
Even if you haven’t run into any issues with your vehicle, it’s recommended that you schedule maintenance checks once you’ve passed a certain number of miles. For example, if you buy a brand new car, it’s typically advised that you bring it in for its first check once you have hit 15,000 miles. Then, bring it in again at 30,000 and 45,000. During these checks, a mechanic will inspect all of the most important parts of the vehicle so you can stay safe while on the road. Learn more about car maintenance by the mile.
If it’s time for you to bring your car in for maintenance, contact the experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center today. You can request an auto repair appointment with Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center online, or you can also text us.