The Importance of Regular Vehicle Maintenance: A Guide for Car Owners

A broken-down vehicle can be an inconvenient interruption to your day – one that no one wants to deal with. To help reduce the risk of a rundown, regularly maintaining your vehicle can keep your car up and running and getting you where you need to go. 

At Burns Chevrolet, we’re here to help your vehicle stay in tip-top shape, so you can confidently start up every morning without having to say a prayer. Our Chevy auto parts and Chevy service department put together this helpful guide, so you can better understand the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Keep reading to learn more!

Safety First: The Role of Regular Maintenance

Running into maintenance issues is not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. If your vehicle is in poor condition, no amount of expert driving skills will make it any safer. All of your vehicle’s systems work together and can affect fuel efficiency or cause an accident if any part of your car fails while you’re on the road.

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand the proper maintenance schedule and requirements for your car. As required or recommended maintenance varies from vehicle to vehicle, it’s important to know what’s needed to keep your car in its best shape. 

Think about your vehicle in terms of front to back and top to bottom when checking to see what aspects need servicing. 

• Lights: Check all of your lights, front to back, to ensure they are working, and your lenses are clean. This includes blinkers and interior lights, as well.
• Windshield: Keep your windshield clean, both inside and outside, to ensure maximum visibility. 
• Mirrors: Check your two side-view mirrors and your interior rear-view mirror to make sure they are clean, adjusted correctly, and fully secured. 
• Tires: Healthy tires are a crucial part of staying safe on the road. Make sure your tires are not bald in any spots and are properly inflated. Have your tires rotated and wheels aligned for optimal fuel efficiency and improved ride. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended tire rotation schedule. Also, check the tire pressure and check that you have all the necessary tools in event of a flat tire.
• Oil: Oil lubricates the engine which ensures all of the moving engine parts aren’t creating friction and excessive heat. The oil catches any dirt, metal, and impurities from the engine and keeps them from entering your car’s oil filter. Always use the recommended oil listed in your owner’s manual and regularly have your oil changed. This lowers your risk of engine problems in the future. 
• Ignition system: Your vehicle’s spark plugs are crucial to properly firing the engine and burning fuel. If a spark plug is worn or not working correctly, your vehicle won’t perform well and increases emissions.

How Preventive Maintenance Reduces Repair Costs

It’s easy to use the cost of a repair as a reason to avoid it, but making preventative maintenance repairs now can save you money in the long run. Since cars are non-negotiable for most of us, it’s important to invest in its well-being. 

Preventative maintenance costs are pretty predictable, so get to know your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and work to include them in your budget. This way, you have an idea of the expenses, and you will be less likely to run into major, unexpected, and costly repairs. 

AAA states that regular vehicle maintenance costs approximately $800 a year, which includes oil changes, tire rotation, wheel alignment, and brake inspection. On the other hand, AAA states that unexpected repairs can cost around $600, with major repairs costing up to $10,000. 

Keep an eye on your vehicle’s warning signs, such as new noises, engine sputtering, or an illuminated check engine light. Don’t ignore it, as this is your car’s way of saying it needs attention. The longer you ignore the issue, the more serious and more expensive it can get.

When it comes to scheduling maintenance, find a local shop, like Burns Chevrolet’s very own body shop here in Rock Hill, to get great deals on Chevy parts near you and support your community. You’ll likely get a good price, get Chevy service coupons, and not have to drive far to take care of your vehicle.

Have More Questions About Vehicle Maintenance? Contact Your Local Burns Chevy of Rock Hill Today! 

When you’re in need of regular maintenance and oil changes in Rock Hill, SC, let our team at Burns Chevrolet help you out! Our certified technicians will take care of your vehicle’s needs. Plus, you can save with Chevrolet service coupon discounts! We have everything you need and more – right here in Rock Hill.

Stop by today for all your service needs or shop for your next Chevy vehicle with us. At Burns, we always go the extra mile. Contact us to learn more about our maintenance services!

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