Recurring Auto Maintenance – It’s Not Just Oil Change
Changing engine oil on regular basis is the absolute foundation of good vehicle maintenance. Now that fully synthetic motor oil has become the standard, we recommend an interval of 5000 miles between oil changes. But what about some other recurring maintenance tasks? Here is a handy list:
Wheel Alignment
If your vehicle’s wheels are out of alignment, it not only accelerates tire wear, but can have negative impact on how the vehicle handles. To save the cost of premature tire replacement, and to improve overall handling of the vehicle, we recommend yearly wheel alignment as a maintenance task. If your vehicle hits a big pothole or a curb, we recommend alignment check.
Tire Rotation/Balancing
Regular tire rotation extends the life of your vehicle’s tires. We also check tire pressure when you bring your vehicle for tire rotation or balancing. To even out tire wear we recommend regular tire rotation every time your vehicle gets an oil change. It saves you that extra trip to the shop, and this way you know that tires are regularly rotated and there is no need to give it any more thought.
Brake Services
The most frequent brake service is brake pads replacement. Typically brake pads will last around 20,000 miles, but this distance can vary, depending on the kind of driving you do. If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, or your vehicle has hills to contend with, brake pads may wear considerably faster.
Another recurring brake service is brake fluid replacement. Brake fluid attracts moisture, and as a result, over time, its water content increases until it negatively impacts braking distance, and in extreme cases can cause outright brakes failure. At Mick’s Truck & Auto we can measure water content of the brake fluid and let you know if it’s time for brake fluid replacement.
Transmission Fluid Replacement
Transmission fluid needs to be replaced regularly, otherwise it fails to provide proper lubrication and cooling for your vehicle’s transmission. Typical replacement interval is about 50,000 miles for manual transmissions, and about 30,000-40,000 miles for automatic transmissions. If you are involved in stop-and-go commute, your vehicle may need more frequent service.
Windshield Wiper Replacement
If you have ever been caught in a real downpour, you know how important windshield wipers are to driver safety. Windshield wipers can deteriorate due to UV rays from the sun, and also due to the passage of time. At a minimum we recommend windshield wiper check in the Fall.
At Mick’s Truck and Auto in Ludington we offer all of the above services, and hundreds more. So if your vehicle needs a bit of tender, loving care, call us to make an appointment.