The Importance of Regular Automotive Service

Cars are what make some of our worlds go round. They get us to work, school, and even recreational activities. Making sure the vehicle in your driveway is at its peak performance level, as well as safe for passengers means keeping it well tune and cared for. There are many basic maintenance tasks that can be performed at periodic times throughout the course of ownership of the vehicle. These care steps will ensure that the vehicle remains in like new condition.

When To Service
Service dates are a little different for every vehicle, but there are general guidelines that can be followed to ensure the vehicle remains functionally safe and sound. As a general rule, auto service follows a now, 3-6-9-12 schedule. The right now category includes things like the tires, windshield wiper fluids and lights checked. This should be done as needed, or when issues arise.

Every three months the vehicle owner should have things like the belts, battery, and hoses checked. While the list of auto service items that should be checked can be quite extensive, these are basics and also include power steering fluid and exhaust and filters. The six month mark entails filters, fluids and cables. One should also consider having the chassis lubricated at this point to ensure smooth riding and that there is no breakdown of parts.

Nine months is when fluids and filters, as well as the exhaust should be checked. Finally, at the twelve month mark auto service for the vehicle should include spark plugs, coolants and an overall tune up. This is a general guideline for auto service and the owners' manual should be consulted for a more extensive list and time periods that need to be adhered to.

Why Service
Most of us are not independently wealthy and cannot buy a new car when something happens to our present vehicle. This is why auto service is so important. Servicing the vehicle ensures that it will continue to run smoothly and safe and in like new condition for many years. Service averts problems and issues that can turn into huge losses of money to fix, and sometimes even the total breakdown of the vehicle.

Seals, o-rings and hoses can break down and cause other components to malfunction causing bigger issues than just a hose. Preventative auto service may cost money over the course of the entire year, but in the long run these little costs are far less than a major breakdown.

Recognizing the Need for Service
The easiest way to tell if something needs fixing or service is smell. The car will emit smells like oil or gas if there are leaks or problems. Sound is another way to tell if something is off and auto service is needed. For instance, if tire alignment is off the steering wheel will not sit straight up and down when hands are in the ten and two position. The tires will also squeal when going around a curve or corner.

If the air conditioning does not get as cold as it once was, or one notices the tread on their tires wearing down quickly, these are all signs that auto service should be done. Some other signs include oil burning, the check engine light illuminating, or even something as simple as the car loses its power or pick up.

No matter what type of light truck or vehicle the individual drives, it is always wise to have auto service done on the vehicle periodically. This will ensure that the vehicle remains in peak operating condition and remain reliable for years to come. A simple tune up or change of oil can make a drastic difference when considering what life would be like without having a vehicle to rely on.

Silver Star Automotive Group has been serving the Thousand Oaks, CA community since 1980 with its eleven auto dealerships and wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. If you are searching for cars using the keywords Chevy dealer Thousand Oaks or auto dealership group, visit our dealership today.