Whether we take good care of our vehicles or not, sooner or later, we will need to have them tuned up by a mechanic. How much wear and tear your car may receive is dependent upon the way you are driving, how much distance you travel, and the type of work you do. As most of us are very dependent on our automobiles, it is a very good idea to schedule to have a routine inspection and/or maintenance done by professionals.
Most people lead busy lives and are often distracted from remembering when their oil is due to be changed. Before you know it, it is time for a car repair. Not getting simple routine jobs such as oil changing, air filter replacing, brakes, belts, and tubes checked can endanger you and your passengers and can possibly cause serious damage to your vehicle. So here are some tips on how to keep track of scheduling your auto care.
Regarding oil, most professionals agree that for common, passenger cars and trucks, it should be change every 7,500 miles or so. For diesel and turbocharged fuel automobiles, it should be about every 3,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive this could be anywhere from once, twice, or three times a year. So, keep track of your mileage and jot down the last time you had this procedure done on a calendar that you regularly check.
Brakes need to be inspected at least once a year. Again, depending on how much distance you travel, this may be necessary to be carried out twice a year. If any unusual sounds such as grinding or squealing are noticed when applying pressure to the brake pedal, take your car to a mechanic right away. Not addressing brake problems right away can result in monumental damage to this particular system of your automobile. It is best to make any car repair ahead of time, as you will definitely end up spending more than you would care to.
As far as air filters are concerned, deciding on when to replace these is based on the opinion of the driver. Simply remove your air filter and hold it up to a light source to see how dirty it is. Trying to shake the dirt that is caked on a filter is pointless, as dust that is embedded in the filter will impossible to remove. If it looks like your filter is pretty clogged and dirty, then it is time to change. Not doing so can negatively affect your vehicle's fuel economy, mileage, and overall performance due to the restricted airflow.
In terms of the belts, tubes, and other major aspects of an automobile, these should be inspected annually by a trained mechanic or if you notice any wear and tear on your own. Routinely scheduling maintenance can assure the safety of those who use a vehicle, how much money is being spent due to optimized performance, and the overall longevity of your automobile as whole. So, do yourself the courtesy of taking good care of your vehicle by routinely checking it yourself and annually taking it for an overall inspection by professional technicians.
