Regular vehicle maintenance is a vital routine that protects your car from costly auto repair. Unfortunately, too many drivers make maintenance mistakes that impact the functionality, safety, and lifespan of their cars and trucks. Here, review some of the most common auto maintenance blunders you must avoid to enjoy an efficient, operational vehicle for years.

5 Auto Maintenance Errors to Avoid

1. Not Scheduling Routine Oil Changes

Motor oil lubricates your engine’s many moving parts to keep them from rubbing. Dirty oil turns to damaging sludge that creates friction among moving parts to wear them out prematurely. It also lowers gas mileage because the engine has to use more fuel to power your vehicle. Schedule oil changes about every six months in light of how often you drive and in what conditions; you should also follow the recommendations of your owner’s manual.

2. Failing to Check Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure increases rubber contact with the road, causing the tread to wear out faster. Overly inflated tires are also dangerous because they don’t grip the road enough. The excessive pressure additionally increases the chance of blowouts. Use an inexpensive tire gauge tool to compare its current pressure to your car’s recommended psi — pounds per square inch — to avoid these issues.

3. Waiting Too Long For Brake Service

When your brake pads wear down, you’ll notice squealing brakes, your car pulling to the left or right, and a “spongy” brake pedal. Driving with worn pads not only decreases vehicle safety, but it also increases the possibility of brake rotor warping. Get the pads changed after about 50,000 miles to avoid safety issues and expensive rotor replacements.

4. Using Dirty Air Filters

Air filters trap contaminants so clean air hits the engine for efficient carburetor operation and subsequent combustion. Filters clogged with debris impede this process and injure fuel economy because your engine will use more fuel to function. Get your filters changed during routine tune-ups at your local auto repair center to avoid these issues.

5. Forgetting About Additional Fluid Checks

Transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid all contribute to vehicle functionality and safety. Low transmission fluid, for example, causes friction and heat among moving parts, while low windshield wiper fluid causes visibility issues because the auto glass stays dirty. Get your fluids topped off and checked for leaks as per your owner’s manual recommendations.
 

Enjoy a safe, efficient, high-functioning vehicle with help from Cabarrus Import Service. Drivers throughout Concord and Harrisburg, NC, have trusted the auto repair center for over 24 years, providing 47-point vehicle inspections, routine maintenance, and dependable repairs. Call (704) 793-4122 today to schedule maintenance, or review a complete service list online. Like the auto repair shop on Facebook for additional maintenance tips.