What Is Auto Maintenance? Simple Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

Maintenance is the regular care your vehicle requires to remain reliable and secure. Skipping it results in expensive repairs and hazardous road conditions. The reality is that a little regular care keeps your vehicle running in tremendous condition and saves you from big headaches later on.

Poor upkeep is responsible for nearly 12% of auto accidents in the United States. Worn tires, faulty brakes, and engine failure frequently are factors in these types of crashes, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By keeping on top of maintenance, you eliminate those dangers and ensure your vehicle is efficient, reliable, and safe.

This manual teaches you the basics of car maintenance with easy, hands-on advice you can apply to keep your vehicle humming and save you money on repairs.

Why Regular Maintenance is Important

• More Fuel Efficiency: Clean oil and inflated tires enable your engine to function well and burn less fuel.

• Enhanced Safety: Well-functioning brakes and firm tires minimize your chances of accidents.

• Save on Long-Term Expenses: Regular tasks, such as oil changes, avoid expensive damage to your engine and other essential components.

Regular Auto Maintenance Tasks

Oil Changes: Replace your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or according to your car's manual. New oil keeps your engine lubricated, slows down wear, and enhances performance.

Tire Care

• Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles for balanced wear.

  
  

• Check air pressure every month to avoid blowouts.

  
  

• Replace tires when tread depth is less than 2/32 inch.

  
  

Brake Inspections: Notice squealing or grinding noises. Replace brake pads when necessary to ensure control and safety.

Battery Maintenance

• Clean corroded terminals to have a good connection.

  
  

• Check battery voltage periodically to not be stranded.

  
  

Fluid Checks

• Monitor coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid levels. 

  
  

• Top them off or replace as necessary to avoid overheating or breakdowns.

  
  

When Your Car Needs Immediate Attention

• Dashboard Warning Lights: Don't ignore them. A small problem today can end up as a big fix tomorrow.

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• Unusual Noises: Grinding, knocking, or rattling normally indicates that something needs to be dealt with straight away.

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• Performance Problems: A loss of power or rough acceleration often indicates engine trouble.

How to Build a Maintenance Schedule

Use your owner's manual as a guide. It informs you precisely when your car requires service.

Seasonal Checks

Winter: Check antifreeze levels and battery condition.

Summer: Inspect the air conditioner and cooling system. 

Mileage-Based Repairs

Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles to preserve smooth running and excellent fuel mileage.

DIY Repairs vs. Professional Work

What You Can Do Yourself at Home

• Replace windshield wipers. 

  
  

• Refill fluids such as washer fluid and coolant. 

  
  

• Replace the air filter for increased airflow. 

What to Leave to a Professional

• Brake pad replacement. 

  
  

• Engine diagnostics and electrical repair. 

Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Car in Top Condition

Maintain a Maintenance Log: Keep a record of each oil change, tire rotation, and checkup. It keeps you organized and monitors progress.

Use Quality Parts: Spend money on quality filters, oil, and brake pads. They have a longer lifespan and keep your car safer.

Stay Consistent: Smaller, routine maintenance steps make your car dependable without overdraining your bank account.

Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly with Flex Auto

You don't have to stress about keeping your car up and running. With expert service at Flex Auto in Orlando, you receive high-quality work engineered to make maintenance easy and economical.

Our staff does it all, oil changes, brake service, tire rotations, and fluid checks; to maintain your car in premium working condition. We provide engine repairs, electrical issue fixes, air conditioning repair, and tire replacement as well.

At Flex Auto, you have skilled technicians who are invested in keeping you safe and your vehicle performing at its best. Stop by or schedule online today for trustworthy service that keeps your car running well all year long.