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As a car owner, it’s essential to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle. Regular inspections and prompt auto repairs keep your car working correctly, extend its useful life, and help you get better gas mileage. Here are a few of the most important maintenance tasks you should keep an eye on every time you drive.

Oil

auto repairEngine oil is a lubricant that keeps your car’s parts moving smoothly. Without clean oil, your engine will quickly seize and damage itself, so you should check this once a month.

To check your oil, warm up your engine and park your car on level ground. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it back into the tank. Then, pull it out again and check whether the oil level is between the two marks on the dipstick. If it’s unusually runny, dark brown, or black, you need an oil change from an auto repair shop. You should get the oil changed by a professional every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Tires

Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly. Driving on tires with low air pressure will quickly damage them. The ideal pressure for your car is listed in your owner’s manual, but it’s usually between 30 and 35 PSI. If the pressure is low, many gas stations offer access to an air pump where you can refill them.

Next, check the depth of the tread on your tires by inserting a penny head-first into a gap. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, the treads have worn down and you’ll need to visit a tire dealer for replacement. To extend the life of your tires and help them wear evenly, visit an auto repair shop for a rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Tune-Ups

Over time, vibration and friction within your engine make many small changes in your car’s mechanics. Engine air flow, cylinder timing, battery life, air and fuel filters, fluid supplies, and spark plug operation all deteriorate over time, presenting issues which may leave you stranded by the side of the road. Depending on the model and age of your car, you may need a tune-up every 10,000 to 50,000 miles to make sure your vehicle’s systems are in good shape.

 

If you are overdue for a tune-up, visit G & J Auto Center in Columbia, MO, for auto repairs. For over 20 years, their experienced and detail-oriented team has provided top-quality service at affordable prices for cars and trucks, including state-of-the-art diagnostics. To schedule a visit, call (573) 474-5819 or reach out online.

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