Have you ever gotten a notice that your car or truck is due for maintenance, but since your vehicle seemed to be running just fine, you put off bringing it in for service? You are definitely not alone. More and more San Diego drivers are putting off routine maintenance and only bringing in their cars to the mechanic shop when there is a problem. Newer vehicles, with their electronic ignition systems and engine control systems, tend to run better for longer than older vehicles, which had mechanical ignition systems containing parts that needed to be replaced on a regular basis. But routine auto maintenance is as important as ever.
We know it is easy to procrastinate when it comes to vehicle maintenance, especially when your car or truck seems to be running well, but auto maintenance is more important for your vehicle than you might realize. Modern engines require special lubricants to keep parts from corroding or breaking down. An occasional oil change is not enough to keep your vehicle running well. You also need to regularly change your coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid in order to keep things in top condition.
Other important auto maintenance services that should be performed on a regular basis include headlamp replacement, fuel system cleaning, air filter replacement, PCV valve replacement, serpentine belt replacement, transmission service, tire rotation, and shocks and struts replacement.
Some of these services can actually save you money, such as tire rotation, which can help your tires last longer by allowing them to wear evenly. Having your fuel system cleaned can save you money in gas. But the most important reason to bring your vehicle into a San Diego auto mechanic shop for regular maintenance is to prevent small issues from turning into major, costly issues down the road. For example, failing to replace your coolant fluid can cause erosion in your radiator and other parts that are costly to replace, or can even cause major engine damage. In this case and many others, trying to save time and money by avoiding simple maintenance can have the complete opposite effect, and can end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars and require your car to be in the shop for days or even weeks.
Check your owner’s manual for the specific recommendations for your vehicle’s maintenance, or check with a San Diego auto mechanic from our directory, who can help you determine the proper maintenance schedule for your car or truck.
