Wondering When to Do Maintenance on Your Car?
Like most drivers, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder when to do maintenance on your car? The first thing to do is to find your owner’s manual (it should be in the glove box of your car). The next thing to do is to read it! The third thing to do to take good care of your car is to follow the recommended vehicle maintenance schedule listed in that manual. It’s that simple!
Maybe you’re saying it’s not that simple! Fortunately, for those of us who are challenged when it comes to reading our vehicle service guide, there are two other ways in which you may be reminded as to when to do maintenance on your car:
- In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars generally have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections, and other car maintenance services. These systems have been found to be fairly accurate as to when service should be performed.
- Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are usually two different maintenance schedules listed in the manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for “severe” operating conditions. The definition of “severe” primarily means short trips of five miles or less, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads. In addition to reading your owner’s manual to know those mileage intervals, your auto technician can give you sound advice as to when to do maintenance on your car.
Tip to Remember: Plan ahead for car maintenance items by finding an auto shop and auto technician for small issues so you know you can trust them for the bigger service items or repairs that will come up down the road!
Are you wondering when to do maintenance on your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about preventative car maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Like most drivers, you want to take good care of your vehicle and may wonder when to do maintenance on your car? The first thing to do is to find your owner’s manual (it should be in the glove box of your car). The next thing to do is to read it! The third thing to do to take good care of your car is to follow the recommended vehicle maintenance schedule listed in that manual. It’s that simple!
Maybe you’re saying it’s not that simple! Fortunately, for those of us who are challenged when it comes to reading our vehicle service guide, there are two other ways in which you may be reminded as to when to do maintenance on your car:
- In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder Systems Newer cars generally have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system that makes mileage-based schedules obsolete. These reminder systems take a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provide an alert on the dash when it is time for an engine oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections, and other car maintenance services. These systems have been found to be fairly accurate as to when service should be performed.
- Mileage-Based Maintenance Service Intervals Older cars have service intervals based on mileage. There are usually two different maintenance schedules listed in the manual--one for cars driven in “normal” operating conditions and another for “severe” operating conditions. The definition of “severe” primarily means short trips of five miles or less, extreme climates, stop-and-go driving, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads. In addition to reading your owner’s manual to know those mileage intervals, your auto technician can give you sound advice as to when to do maintenance on your car.
Tip to Remember: Plan ahead for car maintenance items by finding an auto shop and auto technician for small issues so you know you can trust them for the bigger service items or repairs that will come up down the road!
Are you wondering when to do maintenance on your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about preventative car maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
