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Routine Maintenance and Why It’s Important for Your Vehicle

posted on 11/4/2020 12:32:00 PM

Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle is a necessary part of automotive ownership. When you keep up with maintenance at recommended intervals, you can prevent many issues from occurring as well as catch small things before they become bigger - and more costly - problems. While maintenance is vital for the health of your vehicle, it’s also really easy to overlook. Read on (and listen to the podcast at the bottom of this page) for tips from automotive industry professionals to help you stay on top of routine maintenance and protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

What is vehicle maintenance?

Maintenance is nothing new. In fact, it has been around since before automobiles were on the road! In horse-and-buggy days, greasing leather bearings and adjusting the shoes on horses were necessary to keep everything working how it should. In a nutshell, that’s maintenance!

In the early 19th century, the automobile industry boomed. The drastic increase in automobiles created a need that had never before existed: who would maintain and repair motor vehicles, and how would it be done? To meet this demand, the YMCA opened an automobile school in 1903 designed to train mechanics, chauffeurs and lady automobilists.

Throughout the years, auto service and maintenance has evolved and refined. But, before delving further, the difference between maintenance and repair is an important distinction to make. Maintenance includes any regular service required by a vehicle that is performed while the vehicle is functioning properly. The purpose of maintenance is to prevent issues and breakdowns in the future by making sure components continue to function as they should. For instance, regular oil changes help avoid preventable engine wear and breakdowns. Repair, then, is any service performed after the vehicle suffers an issue or has broken down. Repair is responsive, whereas maintenance is preventative.

What does modern vehicle maintenance look like?

Today, routine maintenance covers a wide array of services. Basically, any service performed at regular intervals to keep your car in tip-top condition falls under this category. A few well-known maintenance services include oil changes, tire pressure checks, topping off and changing fluids, rotating tires, wheel alignment, windshield wiper replacement...the list goes on!

In modern cars, electronics play a large role in the vehicle’s maintenance routine. These computers and systems monitor the status of many aspects of the car. They’ll keep track of routine maintenance intervals and help you stay on schedule for regular services. For instance, many automobiles today contain a very accurate notification system that alerts you when an oil change is due. The system records everything from the miles you drive to the length of time you allow your car to warm up on cold days. It’s truly amazing!

While the integration of technology in cars makes many things easier, the complexity of systems can make DIY repairs much harder than in years past. Many people are still able to perform basic checks and maintenance themselves, but it’s always a good idea to leave auto service to the pros...especially when you’re dealing with a highly technological aspect of the car.

Even though today’s high-tech maintenance may seem tedious at times, it is well worth it in the long run. Thanks to improved maintenance routines, vehicles today are lasting much longer than they could before. In the 70s, a car with 100,000 miles was just about worn out. Now, though, it’s not uncommon to see vehicles running with 250,000 – 300,000 miles on the engine. Routine maintenance is key to your car’s longevity!

What about Maintenance Required Lights?

Many automobiles come equipped with an onboard maintenance reminder system. Typically, this takes the form of a maintenance required light on your dash. Like we mentioned, the technology in your vehicle will monitor the status of your car and can very accurately alert you when service is needed. So, don’t ignore these alerts! For additional information about the maintenance required light and check engine light, check out this resource.

What should my car’s maintenance schedule look like?

Vehicles are a big investment. Take care of them! One of the best ways to care for your car is to follow a maintenance schedule. This will lay out all the regular services your automobile needs as well as the time or mile intervals between services. There are many different opinions when it comes to maintenance schedules, but the service needs described in your car’s owner’s manual is always a safe bet. Be sure to check it out!

Within the owner’s manual, you’ll often find two distinct schedules: one for regular driving intervals and another for severe service. In Wisconsin’s climate, it is recommended to follow the severe service schedule, especially if you normally drive short distances in fluctuating temperatures (here’s looking at you, Wisconsin). If you typically drive long distances, you’ll enjoy longer maintenance intervals. Why? When your vehicle is up to operating temperature, all components function as they were designed to. During short trips, the car is not always able to warm up in time, and optimal performance does not occur.

It is important to note that maintenance costs typically increase in severe climates like we have here in Wisconsin. But, it is truly a small price to pay to prevent large issues and breakdowns from occurring down the road. Think of maintenance as cheap insurance for your car! In addition to finding a routine maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, you can also find a general service schedule here.

There are a few aspects of your vehicle that should be checked often. Be sure to monitor the following on a monthly basis:

Motor oil
Windshield washer fluid (especially heading into winter months!)
Rubber on windshield wipers
Lights
Tires and tire pressure

Issues with these components could pop up and leave you stranded at any time...be sure they’re always road-ready!

What vehicle maintenance can I perform myself?

Your personal experience and knowledge of cars will determine which maintenance services you can perform yourself. A few common DIYs include oil changes, changing and topping off fluids, adjusting tire pressure and replacing windshield wipers. If you do not know how to properly perform these services (and for most other forms of auto care) it is best to leave it to the pros.

What are the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance?

Lack of inconvenience – avoid breakdowns and ugly surprises!
Keep service on your timeline
Save time and money
Increase safety
Prolong the life of the vehicle
Enjoy better performance and handling
Increase fuel efficiency
Retain the value of the car

Plus, find additional benefits of regular maintenance here!

Is vehicle maintenance required by manufacturers to maintain a warranty?

Yes – each vehicle manufacturer has a schedule that needs to be followed to maintain the car’s warranty. In 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was passed. This act stated that if a warranty is offered, it cannot be required that you go to a specific manufacturer for services. As long as the service is performed at the correct interval, the warranty will be maintained. This is great for vehicle owners, making it possible to shop around for the best service and prices before making a decision on an auto shop. For additional information on regular maintenance and your car’s warranty, visit this page on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

To recap, following a routine maintenance schedule is one of the best decisions you can make as a car owner. Although the time and money required for regular maintenance may seem like a hassle, it is worth every penny in the long run. Maintenance is a great form of insurance for your vehicle, and it will help keep you and your family safe from frustration, costly repairs and breakdowns. It’s a no-brainer: regular maintenance is always the smart choice!

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