5 regular car maintenance tasks

Your car is probably the second most important asset after your home, and just like your home, it needs regular maintenance to keep it in top shape and last a long time. But some things with your car can be more routine and obvious, especially since your car is constantly letting you know what problems or maintenance it needs.

The doors of Performance Muffler have been open since 2007 and since then we have become one of the most experienced automotive teams in Phoenix. One of the problems we often face with vehicle owners is that they neglect to regularly maintain their car, so in this article, we will identify 5 regular car maintenance tasks that every owner should pay attention to.

Change your oil on a schedule

Changing the oil is undoubtedly the most regular task that every owner pays attention to. Changing your oil increases your vehicle's gas mileage, reduces engine deposits, extends engine life and keeps it lubricated. Your car performs better when the oil is changed on time, so don't neglect this task.

Vehicles typically require an oil change every 3,000 miles or six months, but these numbers may vary depending on your make and model. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual, dealer, or mechanic to double-check these numbers for your vehicle. 

Check your tires regularly and change them on a schedule

Like your engine, your car runs better with good, properly inflated tires. Regular inspection, inflation and rotation (as prescribed by your mechanic, usually every second oil change) will keep your vehicle running at peak performance.

One of the common problems that drivers face is low tire pressure. Having a tire pressure gauge and a portable air compressor can be a helpful tool if you run into this issue, especially during the colder months.

Inspect liquids

Many fluids are critical to the operation of your vehicle other than engine oil, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. They all have a dedicated fill line so you can check the fluid level regularly, about every two months, and top up as directed. If you have any questions or concerns about this, feel free to contact the Performance Muffler team.

Inspect belts, hoses and other engine components.

Opening the hood and inspecting the engine yourself can be a good thing to do about once every three months to make sure everything is working properly. You will need to look for any cracks, dents, rust, leaks, cuts, etc. throughout the engine. Other problematic signs include smoke, excessive noise, or leaks.

Check brakes for noise or feel

Brake pads typically require replacement every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on vehicle and driver usage. Excessive braking, aggressive driving, and other causes can accelerate brake pad wear, but you can often tell when you need to replace them by the noise or feel. If your brakes squeal so loudly you can hear them, or take longer than usual to come to a complete stop, these are the main signs of brake failure. You will want to service them and replace them as soon as you can.

Final thoughts

One piece of advice that gets overlooked all too often is that you don't read the user manual completely and completely. This may be the best practice for understanding any problem your vehicle may be experiencing.

Also, it's a good idea to get professional help with your car rather than attempting some of the more complex operations yourself. A professional can always offer a second opinion on the condition of your car and possible problems, helping to optimize its life.

Find your trusted automotive professional today

Performance Muffler has a team dedicated to exceptional results and superior customer service, ready to improve your vehicle today. Contact us to connect with one of our specialists and find out how we can help you with any of your vehicle needs.