Regardless of the age of your vehicle, preventative maintenance is important. To run efficiently, your vehicle relies on many components working together as a cohesive whole. When the smaller components wear out or break, the bigger components follow. And when one of the bigger components such as the engine wear down and break prematurely, it’s an unfortunate and costly trip to the garage to get the vehicle back into working shape. Preventative maintenance is economically reasonable, and the efficiencies and potential longevity gained is practically invaluable. Here are four important maintenance-related things to consider frequently (Some yearly and others mileage-based) to keep your vehicle working in tip top shape.
The timing belt is something that most folks don’t consider until something is wrong. The timing belt is important for many reasons, but the main reason is that it plays a huge role in the functionality of the engine. The timing belt regulates the engine’s pistons and the camshaft; it’s important because when the timing belt operates improperly things within the engine bump and grind, and this can mean big costly repairs. Your mechanic at Willard’s Garage can check your vehicle’s timing belt (Checks should begin at 60,000 miles unless your mechanic believes it necessary to do it earlier) and fix any potential problems before problems become larger.
The battery is a component that’s rarely checked, and oftentimes it’s ignored until it goes dead. A battery that has a build-up of corrosion or has leaks could leave you stranded, and your mechanic at Willard’s Garage can quickly and easily determine if the battery is healthy enough and clean enough to work efficiently and reliably.
We talk a lot of regular oil changes, and the sticker on the windshield of your vehicle indicating the effective range at which your oil is working properly is something to abide by. The oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and it’s absolutely important that you stick to the mileage or date range listed.
Last, but by no means least, it’s important to keep your vehicle’s tires in regular alignment. When tires wear unevenly, they wear out prematurely. That’s money you don’t need to spend on tires, and the money you spend on alignment is considerably less than a new set of rubber. And when the tires are in proper alignment the vehicle works much more efficiently.
If you have any questions about maintenance, or are ready to schedule your next service with your mechanic at Willard’s Garage, then call today.
