Vehicle Maintenance and You - A Look at Necessary Maintenance Services

Posted May 29th 2014

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In order to stay in good running condition, your car needs regular maintenance. Vehicle maintenance consists of both minor and major services. All owners should have an idea of what services their car, truck or van needs and why those services are necessary – not knowing or taking someone’s word that you need it is never advisable. Be an informed owner and learn more about the various vehicle maintenance requirements you might have.

Oil Changes – The most common type of vehicle maintenance is the humble oil change. For all that, it’s one of the most important services you should have performed on your vehicle. Oil lubricates and protects the engine, and over time and through use, it breaks down. Eventually, it no longer protects your engine. In the best case scenario, this shortens your engine’s lifespan. In a worst case scenario, it causes severe damage or even destruction to your engine.

Transmission Service – Transmission services can be either the drain and fill variety or they can be actual flushes. Most automakers don’t recommend an actual flush service for your transmission on the grounds that pressurized fluid running through the transmission could cause damage. Most vehicle maintenance centers perform drain and fill procedures, and filter replacements where applicable.

Differential Service – Differentials are responsible for translating the power directed from the driveshaft and transmission to the rear wheels on trucks and other rear-wheel drives. They do that through a series of gears, all of which must be lubricated with gear dope. Over time, that fluid gets dirty and breaks down. A differential service drains out the old fluid, along with the accumulated dirt and metal particles that could damage your differential.

Timing Belt and Water Pump – In order to keep your engine firing properly, it uses a timing belt (sometimes a chain, but those are becoming rare these days). Over time, your timing belt wears, just like all the other belts on your engine. Eventually, it should be replaced. Because the water pump is usually located nearby, most vehicle maintenance and service providers recommend replacing your water pump and timing belt at the same time, usually somewhere between the 90,000 and 110,000 mile mark (although this varies by brand).

Find a Trusted Provider for Vehicle Maintenance

The most important thing to understand about vehicle maintenance is that you need a trusted service provider. Make sure the auto repair shop has a good reputation, and stands behind their work.