Auto maintenance is essential for any vehicle. this post goes over service recommendations by the Automobile Protection Association to help you keep your car service schedule on-track.
Vehicle Value and Reliability depend on Regular Maintenance
While some car parts and components are bound to deteriorate over time, the main cause for a vehicle becoming unreliable almost always comes down to owner neglect. Fortunately, this is completely within your control—and thus, to some degree, so too is your vehicle’s value, reliability and lifespan.
the Automobile Protection Association has conducted research that bears that claim out. In surveys of long-time car owners with high satisfaction ratings regarding vehicle reliability, the APA identified the following common practices:
- Frequent oil changes
- Frequent filter changes
- High level of involvement with the vehicle (i.e. “regular client of the same service facility” and “regular spring and fall preparation”)
- Tendency to fix problems early, and listen/watch for signs of wear and tear
So what’s the bottom line? Investing in regular auto maintenance and car service pays off.
Auto Maintenance/Car Service Recommendations
Following this basic auto maintenance schedule will help you get the most out of your vehicle:
- Every 5,000km or 3 months—Book a car service and oil change
- Every 10,000km or 6 months—Book a tire rotation in addition to your standard car service and oil change.
- Every 20,000km or 12 months—Book a wheel balance, wheel alignment, and brake inspection, in addition to your standard car service, oil change, and tire rotation.
- Every 40,000km or 24 months—Book cooling system maintenance service, engine service, and transmission service in addition to your standard car service, oil change, tire rotation. wheel balance, tire alignment, and brake inspection.
Additionally, the Automobile Protection Association recommends:
- Replacing conventional green antifreeze at 2-3 year intervals, and pink long-life antifreeze at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspecting brakes, suspension, and steering at least once a year for vehicles less than 3 years old, and 2-3 times per year for older vehicles.
- Inspecting disc brakes and caliper guide pins to ensure they’re moving freely at least once per year. This is included as part of every brake system service Auto Tech West performs.
- Inspecting rubber boots covering driveshaft CV joints at every oil change.
- Replacing the cabin air filter every 1-3 years.