Thinking about putting off that oil change? Think again. Manufacturers and mechanics don’t just recommend you keep up with regular car maintenance to make you spend money. Preventative car care is beneficial for you and your car in a number of ways, from safety to fuel economy. The benefits far outweigh any downsides or inconvenience of keeping maintenance services on your schedule and we’ll fill you in on why.

Related: Driving Your Car Less? Here’s How to Avoid These Auto Repairs
Related: Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up
Related: Driving Less Often? How to Maintain Your Car

What Does Regular Car Maintenance Include?

Your car’s recommended regular maintenance schedule may vary somewhat depending on the type of car you drive and your driving habits, but certain car care services are always included. It’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific timeframes and maintenance services as recommended by the manufacturer. However, every car maintenance schedule should include:

While that’s not a definitive list, it does include key services you shouldn’t skip when it comes to taking care of your car.

Pay Attention to the Manufacturer’s Recommended Schedule and Your Driving Habits

The best source for information about how to take care of your car is your owner’s manual. It will include recommended services and their recommended timeframes. Even so, it’s a good idea to take your driving habits into consideration when scheduling car maintenance services. If you typically do a lot of city driving, you may need more frequent brake services. If you’re about to head out on a long road trip, you may want to get an oil change beforehand. You should also take note of any changes in drivability and it’s always better to schedule a service appointment a bit early rather than too late.

Why is it Important to Keep Up with Regular Car Maintenance?

There are a number of benefits from keeping up with a recommended car maintenance schedule. A trusted mechanic can help answer any specific questions about recommended maintenance services or any changes you’re noticing in your car. But for now, we’ll look at a few key benefits of regular car maintenance services.

Improved Drivability

When you’re overdue for car maintenance, you may notice a difference in how your car drives. An overdue brake service may lead to difficulty bringing your car to a stop. If you’ve put off a tune up, you may have trouble starting your car or may have trouble with stalling while driving. A necessary tire rotation or overworn tires can show up as a lack of traction, especially around turns. Being proactive about regular car maintenance can prevent these signs and keep your car running its best.

Better Gas Mileage

If you feel like you’re heading to the gas station more frequently, you may be due for a car maintenance service. An overdue oil change can lead to bad gas mileage because your engine oil is contaminated and can’t flow easily to lubricate the moving parts inside your engine. When you need a tune up, you may experience bad fuel economy due to improper air-fuel ratio in your engine. It may be so gradual you don’t even notice it until it’s fixed and you find each gas tank is lasting a bit longer than you’re used to.

Keep You and Your Car Safe

Your car maintenance schedule is designed to keep essential systems in your car operating their best. This will keep them from getting you into sticky situations. Waiting too long to schedule an oil change can lead to an overheating engine or even engine failure if your engine oil is over-contaminated or has burned away. Ignoring early signs of worn brake pads can lead to difficulty or inability to bring your car to a stop safely. Stay ahead of bigger car problems by keeping car maintenance on your schedule.

Save Money by Preventing Major Repairs

We have to break it to you, spending that little bit of money on car maintenance is going to save you a lot of money in the long run. When simple car maintenance services fall by the wayside, it can lead to much more serious auto repairs that can cost a fortune. Instead of spending your savings on a major car repair, spend an affordable amount of money on preventative car care.

Extend the Life of Your Car

Unless you plan to buy a new car every couple years, it’s a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance. The goal of a manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is to keep each essential system in your car operating at its best. This prevents extra wear and damage overall, which helps extend the life of your car. That means it’ll keep you from having to go car shopping before you’re ready for a new car payment.

AAMCO’s Mechanics Can Help with Your Car Maintenance Needs

Our expert mechanics are here to help, no matter what car maintenance or repairs you need. Schedule your appointment easily online or simply swing by one of our local AAMCO Boise locations. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and help keep you and your car safe on the road.

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