How to Keep an Old Beater on the Road Proper Maintenance Guidelines
The introduction of the automobile radically changed the way that Americans perceived distance, opening up a new realm of possibilities unbound by geographical location. It is estimated that by 2018 there will be 260 million cars on the road. As more vehicles are produced every year, one would think that a good number of Americans are upgrading their old cars. In fact, the average car on the road today is a record-high 11.4 years old. Without proper maintenance and repair, these vehicles may be on their way to the junkyard — here are some reasons why vehicle owners ought to look for a high quality automotive service in their area to get their vehicle inspected.
Regular Maintenance
As a general rule of thumb, many vehicle owners have their oil changed once every three months or every 3,000 miles. While synthetic oil and other products have challenged this rule of thumb, those looking to avoid costly engine maintenance ought to defer to their owner’s manual just to make sure. The same goes for the air filter; in most Chevrolet engines the regular interval is every 45,000 miles, in most Fords it ought to be done every 30,000 miles. Cooling systems ought to be flushed and refilled at least once per year. Keeping the internal fluid levels regularly maintained can go a long way towards quality automotive service.
More Responsive Braking
Every so often, a vehicle owner becomes so used to their vehicle that they fail to see obvious problems. Being able to stop and go is the ultimate function of an automobile; shoddy tires and worn brake pads can make driving a risky endeavor. Tires ought to always be inspected to ensure that they are at the recommended pressure level; overinflating tires can be just as dangerous as underinflating tires. Furthermore, rotating your tires ought to be done at least every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and ensure that there are no tears or issues. Most auto repair services recommend replacing brake pads about every 20,000 miles; like many things, this too may vary based on the model of your vehicle, so always defer to the owner’s manual.
Optimal Efficiency
After some time, a vehicle may become less efficient due to smog buildup and other factors. For those who notice that they have to fill up the tank more often than before, it may benefit to have a smog inspection to determine whether or not a vehicle is in need of a tune up. Having your vehicle tuned up can increase gas mileage by up to 4% if performed by a quality automotive service. When following a serious repair, such as fixing a faulty oxygen sensor, some vehicle owners have seen a 40% improvement on their gas mileage in some cases. As cars become more advanced with digital displays and computer regulated fuel injection, it is more important than ever before to take your vehicle in for regular engine maintenance by a professional, quality automotive service technician that you can trust.
