Car maintenance can be as confusing as it is challenging, but it needs to be done every year to ensure you’re driving a safe and reliable car. You always love your car until it stops working, and keeping up with regular auto maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your car on the road. Each year, it’s essential to do a complete check of the vehicle that you own. Your pre-emptive plan will stop any minor problems from becoming big ones in the future. A yearly inspection from your mechanic will ensure everything is running smoothly and, if there are any issues, you can nip them in the bud before they become serious.
Oil Changes
An oil change is one of the most crucial parts of annual car maintenance. Oil changes are the only way to keep your engine running smoothly. It’s also recommended to change your oil every 5,000 miles, or as recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. It’s always a good idea to ask your mechanic what the right time is to change the oil, but it’s best to change it at least twice a year. This will help you avoid engine problems.
Tire Rotation
Every tire on your vehicle should be rotated at least once a year. This is important because you drive your car in different conditions, which could wear down one side of your tires more than the rest. Rotating them will prevent uneven wear and tear that can occur if they’re not turning. This is easy for a mechanic to do during an oil change. It’s a good idea to ask your mechanic what the right time is to rotate the tires or if a specific pattern needs to be followed.
Brake Pads and Rotor Replacement
Getting your brakes checked every year is more than essential, it’s vital to your safety. You don’t ever want to be in a situation where your brakes fail. Checking and changing the brake pads and rotors is the simplest way to avoid this scenario.
Engine and Cabin Air filters
Your car’s engine does more than provide the power for your vehicle. It also cleans your air and adds fresh air to the cabin at the same time. Not only should the air going into your engine be clean, so should the air that you are breathing while driving. This is the primary job of your engine and cabin air filters. It’s important to ensure your vehicle stays clean and safe by replacing the filters yearly, at the least. Not doing so can lead to damage to your engine.
Bulb replacements
There are more lights in your car than you know. These are located not only in the interior but also on the exterior in the form of headlights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. These are your vehicle’s indicators, so keeping them in good working order is essential. It’s important to replace any bulbs that are not working. Not only does it make it safer to drive, it’s also illegal to drive when they are not operating properly.
Inspect Shocks and Struts
If you use your car frequently, you may notice that the shocks or struts have become worn out. In this case, it is best to replace them to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly and drives comfortably. It’s worth getting your car inspected by an auto mechanic to ensure that these components are in good working order.
Fluid Levels and Flushes
Your vehicle’s fluids need to be checked yearly when your oil and filter change. Check your oil, gas, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels. Inspecting them is essential to make sure they’re all filled and ready to be used as needed.
Even with Proper Maintenance, Everything Breaks
Even if you keep up with all the annual maintenance on your vehicle, there’s no telling when something will break. Car repairs can be expensive, often ranging from $500 to $2000. Not many people have this money lying around, and you undoubtedly need your car to get to work. Auto protection plans from Everything Breaks save you from these types of unexpected repair bills. Our plans cover most vehicle makes and models, and even vehicles up to 250,000 miles! You can choose a plan that fits your budget and get a large number of other benefits that include roadside assistance, car rentals, and so much more. Learn more about auto protection plans available for your vehicle here.
