Is Vehicle Maintenance Really Worth the Cost?
With our busy lives and numerous expenses, it’s easy to overlook the importance of routine maintenance. However, putting off maintenance items is one of the most common reasons many people end up needing expensive repairs. Especially when coupled with ignoring signs of developing issues like squeaks, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights, putting off maintenance often comes with greater costs than if the vehicle had been routinely serviced.
Although all maintenance items are important, here are a few simple ones that are truly worth the cost:
Oil Changes
Oil changes are one of the most critical maintenance services; even better, they’re one of the least expensive! Replacing the oil and filter keeps the engine clear of sludge and buildup, and allows all the components to run together smoothly. Old oil becomes dirty and gritty over time, which can also increase friction and heat within the engine. Clean oil, on the other hand, reduces friction and pulls heat away from the engine.
Neglecting oil changes can lead to a variety of expensive problems, from worn pistons to complete engine failure. Even if you’re on a tight budget, it truly pays to keep up with your manufacturer’s suggested oil change intervals.
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance and Inspections
As with oil changes, regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections are important for preventing a number of issues from repairs to breakdowns and accidents. During scheduled maintenance, our technicians inspect various systems on your vehicle, looking for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. We also replace components specified by the manufacturer at the recommended intervals.
The great thing about this is that it allows us to be proactive and replace parts before they break and create costly repairs or unsafe conditions. Keeping an eye on your battery, tires, hoses, belts, and other parts that are known to fail over time can save you a lot of money and inconvenience in the long run!
Brake Pad Replacement
A little preventive maintenance goes a long way when it comes to brake pads! As one of the most important safety features of your car, you want to have your brakes working well at all times. If you don’t replace worn brake pads, you may not have the stopping power you need to drive safely. In addition, worn brake pads can cause the rotors to warp. Once this happens, they’ll need to be resurfaced or replaced—both costly repairs.
A simple brake service is much more affordable and gives you peace of mind that your brakes are up to the task when you need them most. It’s also easy to have your brake pads inspected; just ask your service advisor if we can take a look during a standard oil change or tire rotation.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotations
Wheel alignment and tire rotations are often overlooked maintenance items that can both help you save money over time.
Wheel alignments ensure that your wheels are aligned properly with the steering wheel. If your alignment is off, not only will it be more difficult to drive straight (which can be especially dangerous at high speeds), but it can also put undue stress on the vehicle’s suspension components that can lead to costly repairs.
Misalignment also causes uneven wear on the tires and impacts your fuel efficiency and braking capability. Like alignment issues, neglecting regular tire rotations can also cause your tread to wear down unevenly. This creates a rough, unstable driving surface and makes your tires more susceptible to friction, poor traction, hydroplaning, and a higher risk of blowouts and punctures. You’ll also likely have to replace tires much sooner than you would with regular tire rotations.
Don’t Ignore Your Maintenance!
The bottom line is: it never pays to ignore routine maintenance! Although maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense when your vehicle is running well, there could be trouble brewing under the surface. In particular, never ignore signs that your car may have a problem, like odd noises, fluid leaks, vibrations, or drivability issues. Have these things checked out and then you can make an informed decision about whether it’s something that needs to be addressed right away or if it can be put off until a more convenient time.
Routine maintenance is essential for:
- Your safety
- Having a reliable vehicle that performs well
- Keeping repair costs low
- Fuel efficiency
- Preventing inconvenient breakdowns or repair-related downtime
- Maintaining the value of your vehicle
There are no downsides!
For quality maintenance and repairs you can rely on, visit Accurate Automotive Attention! We’ll keep your car safe, reliable, and on the road.