Taking your car to the mechanic is a bit like taking yourself to the dentist. It's usually not something you look forward to, but it just needs to be done from time to time. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is one form of preventative maintenance you are doing for yourself. Visiting the dentist periodically for teeth cleaning, x-rays and a general check up is also important to your dental health.
The same can be said about taking care of your car. There are certain tasks you can do on your own like making sure there's always fuel in the tank. You may wash the vehicle regularly and check things like tire air pressure and fluid levels. You might even have the knowhow to change your own oil and rotate tires—the two most frequently needed forms of automotive maintenance. Still, a visit to a professional mechanic is required for certain repairs and other maintenance procedures. The point is, there are steps you must take on a regular basis to keep your vehicle healthy for as long as you want to drive it.
Here are 5 of the important long-term benefits of automotive maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, transmission services, fuel system services, cooling system services, exhaust/emissions inspections and air conditioning tune-ups:
1. It Will Be Better to Drive
It's always a nice feeling when you are leaving the auto shop or dealership after a service. The car just feels like it is running better immediately and you feel good about yourself for taking care of it. Ultimately, this is very true. Regular preventative maintenance will keep the vehicle running its best.
2. Helping to Prevent Major Problems
The reason we call it "preventative maintenance" is because it is done before problems can occur. You change your oil before it becomes too low or degraded and starts damaging the engine. It's smart to deal with maintenance on a scheduled basis (or based on vehicle mileage between service visits) rather than waiting for something to go wrong and then having to face major repairs. Regular vehicle inspections as part of your maintenance plan can also catch potential issues before they develop into something much worse.
3. Equipment Lifespan
A car that is properly taken care of will run better for longer. This same concept can be applied to every single system and mechanical system within the vehicle. Preventative maintenance will keep the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, etc. lasting longer. This means more time in between replacing worn/damaged parts.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Because your vehicle is running its best with regular maintenance, it usually equates to more fuel efficiency. It may not be a huge difference, but it all adds up over time.
5. Long-Term Cost Savings
When you consider all the benefits above, it means more cost savings for you over the long run. Yes, you are investing some time and money to get maintenance done. However, you are potentially avoiding major problems and expensive repairs. You are getting better fuel economy. You are spending less money on parts replacements and other significant costs that can occur if the vehicle is not taken care of properly.
These are some of the key benefits of keeping up with preventative automotive maintenance. For all your auto care needs in Northern Delaware, call Fox Run Auto at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.