Ultimately, every vehicle needs regular maintenance. Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV of any make, model or size, it needs work from time to time. Much of the maintenance performed is preventative in nature. You get oil changes regularly to help keep the engine running smoothly. You want to rotate tires to even out tread wear and keep all four of them lasting as long as possible. Then, there are other tasks like brake services, fluid checks, wheel alignments, transmission services, and cooling system services that should be taken care of to help prevent major problems from developing.
The big question is how often do these different tasks need to be performed. The answer isn't always that simple. Obviously, the maintenance frequencies between these specific services will vary. You may get your oil changed every 5,000-6,000 miles, while it might be 30,000-50,000 miles between transmission services. Consult with your vehicle owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations. Having a trusted mechanic will also help, as they can keep you on a consistent schedule and let you know what needs to be worked on and when.
In addition, there may be some other factors that may impact how often you need to perform certain maintenance tasks such as oil changes or brake services. Here are some of the issues to consider as a driver:
1. Vehicle Age
Older vehicles may require servicing more often. They were designed differently. The age and wear on various parts can make a difference, as well. This is why oil changes 30-50 years ago used to be recommended every 3,000 miles. Now, some newer vehicles may only need oil changes every 10,000 miles or so.
2. Vehicle Mileage
Oftentimes, mileage and age go hand in hand—but not always. You could have a 10-year-old car with 300,000 miles on it. Or, you could have a much older car with only 20,000 miles on it. Higher-mileage vehicles will likely require maintenance and repairs more often. At the same time, a car that's been sitting in the garage for a year and barely driven may end up having more problems because parts don't get the use that they should.
3. Driving Conditions
Think about where you drive your vehicle. Are you driving on a lot of rough roads, or up and down steep grades? Are you towing trailers or carrying heavy loads? Are you making a lot of tight turns or sitting in stop-and-go city traffic every day? These conditions can add excess wear and tear to different vehicle components, causing maintenance to be required more often.
4. Driving Habits
Lastly, you have to consider your own driving habits. Driving fast with a lead foot will put more strain on your engine and transmission compared to a driver who is much more careful and cautious. Aggressive cornering and harsh braking will wear out your brakes and suspension. We all have different driving habits and some people simply put more abuse on their vehicles than others. This has to be something you think about when trying to figure out your ideal maintenance intervals.
These are some of the factors that can affect your auto maintenance requirements. For all your auto repair and maintenance needs in Northern Delaware, count on the team at Fox Run Auto to help keep you on track and provide honest advice along the way. Call us today at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.