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According to recent industry reports, the average age of cars on the road is more than 11 years—much longer than it used to be. But while modern vehicles are lasting longer than before, they still require routine auto maintenance to stay in good shape. If you want to extend the life expectancy of your vehicle, here are a few car tune-up tips you should follow—and why they are important.

5 Auto Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Running Strong

1. Change Oil

Over time, the oil in your car will start to deteriorate and become contaminated. If the oil is dirty, it will be unable to lubricate mechanical parts properly, resulting in poor fuel economy and engine damage. As such, you should schedule oil changes somewhere between every 3,000 and 10,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s recommended auto maintenance schedule.

2. Keep Coolant at Proper Levels

auto maintenanceWithout adequate coolant, your car’s engine and other parts can become subject to overheating damage. To make sure your vehicle’s components are kept at the ideal temperature, check coolant levels regularly and add more as necessary. If you notice levels dropping significantly, you may have a leak that needs to be repaired. Depending on your automaker’s recommendations, you should also have the coolant flushed about every 30,000 miles to maintain cooling system performance.

3. Cover Your Car

When cars are left outside, weather, moisture, and other elements can cause the auto body to corrode and deteriorate. To minimize potential damage, it’s best to leave your car covered or in a garage whenever you can. You can also prevent body damage by having your car washed and detailed at regular intervals.

4. Align Tires Regularly

You should have your tire alignment checked at least once a year—sooner if you notice that you have a hard time keeping the wheels straight on the road. Realigning your tires can extend the life of your vehicle by improving fuel efficiency, preventing suspension damage, and maintaining overall steering performance.  

5. Replace Belts

Today, most vehicles are manufactured with a single belt—known as the serpentine belt—to keep parts moving at the proper rate. While these belts can last a long time, they will eventually degrade and crack, putting your engine and other components in danger. To avoid expensive auto repairs, have your belt inspected and replaced between every 60,000 and 100,000 miles, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

 

Knowing that vehicle care can be complicated, Brown’s Transmission offers comprehensive tune-up services to help drivers simplify the auto maintenance process. Located in Newark, OH, this auto shop provides comprehensive vehicle diagnostics to assess every element of your car’s performance. Whether you need an oil change or tire alignment, these experienced mechanics will complete maintenance quickly and reliably to get you back on the road. Visit the shop online to learn more about their services or call (740) 522-4459 to speak with a friendly mechanic.

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