Car Care Tips

Make Your Car One of The Longest Lasting with Routine Care

It might seem simple, but your vehicle can last for well over a decade with proper maintenance and repairs. Compared with the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, it pays to take good care of your car. Preventative maintenance will help you retain your car's condition longer, and it helps you reduce the chance of ending up at the auto repair shop with an unexpected automotive repair. Regularly scheduled maintenance and lubrication, per the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, is the best way to proactively take care of your vehicle. Replacing wear-and-tear parts before they break is always a good path to follow on the road to long vehicle life.

At Schierl Tire & Auto Service, we want our customers in Central and Northern Wisconsin and surrounding areas to get the most out of their vehicles. Follow the car maintenance tips below to keep your vehicle around longer.

Keep an Eye on Fluids and Filters

Your car’s engine is full of sensitive moving parts that rely on fluids (like oil, transmission fluid, and coolant) to function well. If you don’t keep an eye on these fluid levels or periodically change fluids and filters as advised, your vehicle's performance will take a hit.

Here are some examples of different automotive fluids and why it's important to keep up on maintenance intervals for fluid changes:

• Engine Oil: Lubricates engine components. If not changed, it can become contaminated, leading to engine wear and potential failure.
• Transmission Fluid: Facilitates gear shifting. Neglecting to change it can cause transmission overheating and failure.
• Coolant: Regulates engine temperature. Old coolant becomes acidic, leading to corrosion and overheating.
• Brake Fluid: Transfers force in the braking system. If not replaced, it can absorb moisture, reducing braking efficiency and causing corrosion.
• Power Steering Fluid: Helps with steering ease. Old fluid can lead to steering difficulties and pump failure.
• Differential Fluid: Lubricates gears in the differential. If neglected, it can lead to gear wear and potential failure.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Cleans the windshield. Make sure you have some for your visibility and safety.

If you have questions about automotive fluid change intervals, the team at Schierl Tire & Auto Service is happy to answer them. We encourage you to stay current on all forms on vehicle maintenance, including fluid changes.

Automotive Part Replacement

While some parts and systems can last a very long time, there are many "wear-and-tear" parts in your vehicle that will require routine replacement services, such as:

• Engine Oil Filter
• Engine Air Filter
• Cabin Air Filter
• Fuel Filter
• Brake Pads and Rotors
• Tires
• Car Battery
• Wiper Blades
• Spark Plugs
• Timing Belt/Chain

Recommended intervals will vary depending on your make and model, we well as your driving environment and habits. For example, brake pads and rotors typically last anywhere from 35,000 to 60,000 miles depending on how often you stop while driving, how hard you stop, and how thin or thick the rotors and pads are initially. Similarly, a car battery generally lasts 3-5 years, depending on outdoor temperature, driving frequency, and overall use among other influences. Meanwhile, a timing belt typically lasts 7 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Headlights are automotive parts that may benefit from restoration before replacement. Restoring your headlights can have them looking like new and shining up to 3.4x brighter. You can slow oxidation caused by heat, sunlight, pollution, and harsh chemicals by parking in a garage when possible.

Tires and Wheels

Wheels and tires are essential to the safety and performance of your vehicle. Inspect your tires and wheels regularly for symptoms such as low pressure, uneven wear patterns, or excessive wear. Remember that keeping your tires at the proper pressure levels is also better for fuel economy. If your aren't doing so already, try to make it a habit to visually inspect your car's tires at least once a month, if not more frequently.

Tire services such as a tire rotation, wheel alignment, tire balancing, and tire repair can help maximize tire life and improve your safety. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide a schedule for the recommended time to perform tire maintenance services.

Visit Schierl Tire & Auto Service for Car Care & Repair

By following these tips and the service intervals listed inside your owner’s manual, you can protect your vehicle from major repairs and unexpected failures. Proper vehicle maintenance can save you money in the long run and improve your safety and the safety of your passengers. Stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance and visit at Schierl Tire & Auto Service in Stevens Point, WI , Plover, WI, Wisconsin Rapids, WI , Marshfield, WI , Weston, WI, Medford, WI , Tomahawk, WI, and surrounding areas when your vehicle needs to be seen by experienced mechanics.

Don't forget to check out the "Hey Schierl Tire" FAQ on automotive services for answers to common questions.

Contact Us About Car Care Tips