Preventive maintenance is important for your vehicle. Not only does preventive vehicle maintenance work to resolve any current problems your vehicle has, but it also helps prevent further damage from occurring. There are many types of preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance ranges from something as minor as changing a brake pad to something large like running a full diagnostic of your internal wiring and electrical output.
Are you unsure whether preventive maintenance sounds like something you need? Check out these three ways it could benefit your vehicle.
Perhaps one of the biggest points for preventative auto maintenance is the ability to save you money over time. Every vehicle requires standard maintenance in order to operate efficiently. Depending on the work, part and labor costs can get high. Therefore, to ensure you don’t overspend in the future, it helps to pay a small amount to make sure everything is running properly now.
For example, something simple as rotating your tires regularly and having the alignment checked by a mechanic can save you the hassle of prematurely replacing four tires. This can be a price difference of $200 versus $800-$1000. With use, tread on your tires wears down more on one side than the other. When you have the tires rotated, you allow the tread on the other side to wear down evenly. As a result, this extends the life of your tires. If you allow the tread to wear on one side, and fail to even out the tires, this could alter the ride of your vehicle. This could result in you becoming stranded on the side of the road with a blown tire.
Tires aren’t the only place you can save money. A simple oil change can increase the longevity of your engine. Regularly changing brake pads can keep your rotors and brake calipers from becoming damaged. Finally, having a tune-up will keep your electrical systems in check.
It’s not all about money. In fact, it IS all about SAFETY! Your vehicle can take quite a beating over time. For example, driving into potholes, summer heat, sand, and salt all winter. Let’s not forget barreling down the Interstate at excessive speeds. Imagine if something were to give out on you while you are on the road and as a result leaves you stranded.
Many preventative maintenance procedures are small and affordable. However, they make a big impact on the longevity of your vehicle. Something minor as having a diagnostic run on your warning lights could save you from engine failure. Are you concerned about odd noises, smells, or shaky handling of your vehicle? Call an experienced mechanic to look at these issues sooner rather than later.
You paid good money for your vehicle. You should expect it to get you where you need to go. Therefore, preventative maintenance programs keep your car running smoothly so it doesn’t fail on you when you need it.
Examples of inconveniences you could encounter without preventative maintenance include power windows locking up, heat/ac failure, dead car battery, serpentine belt failure, and windshield wiper blade problems. To avoid these issues, talk with your mechanic about a routine maintenance schedule.
A professional mechanic has access to lifts and has experience checking every nook and cranny of the car, front to back. In addition, a certified mechanic knows how to spot potential problems easier than the average person. The best mechanics can perform a full vehicle inspection and have you on your way in a little over an hour.
If you are in doubt call Mike at our Omaha Midtown Location, 402-551-6000. He can have our team inspect and advise you on the next steps to ensure your vehicle runs as smoothly as possible.
Oil change $5 off; $10 off of Premium
The Vehicle Check Over service for Winter offered at Great Plains Auto Body is $60 and covers the entirety of the vehicle.
