If you’re like most car owners, you know it’s smart to get the oil changed and the tires rotated regularly. But there are other areas of maintenance which you should also consider. These are tasks you may not think about as part of an average car tuneup but are vital to your vehicle’s life span and performance. Here are four examples.

Don’t Forget These 4 Details at Your Next Car Tuneup

1. Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

Although some transmission fluid is advertised as lasting for a car’s entire life, it’s always a good idea to get it changed every now and then. This is important because the fluid helps lubricate all the moving parts inside your car’s transmission to keep them from wearing out and going bad. When it gets dirty, it will lose its effectiveness, resulting in increased friction and damaged components.

2. Serpentine Belt Replacements

The serpentine belt facilitates numerous functions in a car, including the alternator, power steering, and other essential processes. However, because of the constant heat and friction it undergoes, the belt will eventually need to be replaced. This happens only every 50,000 miles or more, so inspecting it won’t be part of most general tuneups. 

3. Cooling System Maintenance

Car engines are delicate constructions that operate best within a certain temperature range. In winter and summer, or whenever the engine heats up from working hard, the cooling system is necessary to prevent overheating and vehicle breakdowns. To maintain these systems, flush and refill them every two or three years, depending on the vehicle. A mechanic can help determine when it’s time to perform this maintenance.

4. Engine Diagnostics

It’s important to perform regular diagnostics to determine when something’s wrong and what needs to be fixed. The check-engine light can indicate when there’s a problem, but an expert will need to look things over to tell exactly what the issue is. Even if it doesn’t seem like the car has any difficulties, preventative measures can save you money and frustration later.

For thorough car tuneups in Putnam County, contact the experts at High Point Tire & Automotive. This AAA-approved company will perform the gamut of engine diagnostics and other maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Visit them online for a list of their auto services, and call (336) 882-6215 to schedule an appointment.