Taking care of your car is essential. Regular servicing ensures that your vehicle runs smoothly and stays in great shape. More importantly, it keeps you and others on the road safe. For drivers in Lakewood, knowing how often to service your car can be confusing. The right schedule depends on things like your car’s make, model, age, and how often you drive. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how often your car should be serviced and provide some useful tips. With the right maintenance, your car will stay reliable for years.
How Often Should You Service Your Car?
How often you need to service your car depends on how much you drive and the type of car you have. As a general guideline, it is recommended to service your car every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This is a good rule for most drivers in Lakewood. However, it’s always best to check your car’s owner’s manual for specific advice from the manufacturer. If you drive more than 2,000 miles a month you may need an interim service every six months. An interim service includes basic checks like engine oil, brake fluid, and tire pressure. For those who don’t drive much, maybe just a few miles a day, an annual service is still important. Even if your car is mostly parked, things like engine oil, filters, and fluids need to be checked and replaced regularly.
The Importance of Regular Car Servicing
Many people think car servicing is unnecessary if their car seems to be running well. However, regular servicing is very important for several reasons:
Safety
Servicing helps make sure important parts like your brakes and tires are in good shape. Brakes that don’t work properly or tires that are too worn can be dangerous. For example, faulty brakes can lead to accidents because you won’t be able to stop your car in time.
Better Fuel Efficiency
A car that is well-maintained uses less fuel. Regular servicing ensures parts like air filters and engine oil are clean, which makes the engine run more smoothly. This reduces how much fuel your car needs.
Preventing Major Repairs
Servicing your car allows mechanics to find small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. For example, if your engine oil gets too low, it can damage the engine. Fixing engine damage can cost thousands of dollars. A routine oil change, on the other hand, is much cheaper and can prevent this from happening.
Extending the Life of Your Car
Regular servicing can make your car last longer. When all the parts are checked and maintained, your car is less likely to break down. This means you can drive it for more years without major problems.
Better Resale Value
If you decide to sell your car in the future, having a service history can increase its value. Buyers want to know that the car has been taken care of. They are often willing to pay more for a car that has been serviced regularly.
Car Servicing for Different Driving Habits
Your driving habits affect how often you should service your car.
City Driving: Stop-and-go traffic puts extra pressure on the engine and brakes. If you mainly drive in the city, service your car every 6 months, even if your mileage is low.
Highway Driving: Long-distance driving is easier on the car. However, follow the recommended service schedule, especially for oil and brake checks, even if it feels less demanding on the vehicle.
Severe Conditions: Driving in extreme heat, cold, or towing heavy loads means more wear and tear. In these cases, service your car every 3-6 months to catch issues early.
Tips for Lakewood Drivers
Living in Lakewood presents unique driving conditions that might affect your vehicle's servicing needs. Here are some tips to keep your car in top shape:
Be Ready for Seasonal Changes
Lakewood experiences hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Before winter arrives, make sure your car is ready for the snow. Check that your tires have enough tread for icy roads. You might also want to switch to winter tires for a better grip on snow and ice. Cold weather can also be tough on your car battery, so it’s a good idea to have it checked before the winter season begins. Car batteries tend to lose strength in cold temperatures, and no one wants to deal with a dead battery on a freezing day.
Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure
The weather affects your tire pressure. When it’s cold, the air in your tires shrinks, and this lowers the pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, it can make your car harder to control and reduce your fuel efficiency. To avoid this, check your tire pressure regularly, especially during cold months. Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure, which you can find in your car’s manual.
Check Fluids Regularly
Fluids like engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant are vital for your car. Low or dirty fluids can cause serious problems. Not enough oil can lead to engine damage, and low brake fluid can make your brakes less effective. Even if you’re not due for a service, check these fluids every few months. For example, you can check your brake fluid every time you go for an oil change. If you notice anything unusual, such as dark oil or a low fluid level, get it checked right away.
Wash Your Car Often
Washing your car is especially important in Lakewood during winter. Salt is often used on roads to melt ice, but it can damage your car’s paint and cause rust if left on too long. Rust can weaken important parts of your car, like the undercarriage. To prevent this, wash your car regularly during the winter months. Make sure to clean the underside as well, where salt tends to accumulate. Washing your car will help keep it in good condition and prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Find a Reliable Mechanic
Having a trusted mechanic is key to keeping your car well-maintained. A good mechanic will ensure your car gets the right service when it needs it. They will also be able to track your car’s history, so they know when parts were replaced or fluids were changed. Look for a mechanic with strong reviews, or ask friends and family for recommendations. A trusted mechanic will help you avoid unnecessary repairs and keep your car running smoothly for longer.
Trust Proformance Complete Auto Care for Your Vehicle's Servicing Needs
At Proformance Complete Auto Care in Lakewood, WA, we understand how important regular car servicing is for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Whether it’s routine maintenance or addressing a specific issue, our ASE Certified Technicians are here to help. With over 18 years of experience, we provide efficient, reliable mobile auto repair services right at your doorstep. Don’t wait until small problems turn into expensive repairs. Schedule your service with us today. We’ll come to you, making car care easy and convenient. Call us at (253) 287-7415 to book your appointment.
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