Car maintenance doesn't have to be daunting. Regular check-ups can help your vehicle last longer and help your daily ride be smoother--not to mention, regular maintenance can help you dodge expensive repairs down the road. This car maintenance guide is for everyone—whether you DIY or prefer to leave it to the pros. At Master Tech Auto Repair, we’re here to make car care simple and accessible. Let's dive into how you can keep your vehicle in the best shape possible!
Auto Maintenance You Can Do on Your Own
There's actually quite a bit you can do for your vehicle with just a few tools, a sprinkle of patience, and some elbow grease. Take a look at these checks that are easy to perform and quick to complete.
1. Check and Change the Oil
- Frequency: Check monthly; change every 3,000-5,000 miles or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
- Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, keeping everything running smoothly and helping to prevent overheating! To check your oil, simply pull out the dipstick, give it a quick wipe to clean it off, pop it back in, and then check the level again. If you notice the oil looks dark or it’s lower than the recommended level, it’s a good time to treat your car to an oil change!
2. Check Tire Pressure and Tread
- Frequency: Monthly for pressure; tread every 6 months.
- Keeping your tire pressure just right is key for saving on gas and staying safe on the road! You can use a pressure gauge to make sure your tires match the recommended PSI found on your door panel or in your owner’s manual. And don’t forget about tread depth—try the “penny test.” If you can see Lincoln’s head, you might want to think about getting some new tires!
3. Top Off Fluids
- Frequency: Every 1-2 months.
- Keeping your oil topped off may seem like a no-brainer, but remember that there are a few other important fluids. Coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid all help your vehicle to stay happy on the road!
4. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
- Frequency: Every 6-12 months.
- When your wipers are on their last legs, you can be in less-than-safe situations once rain or snow starts coming down. It’s a good idea to swap your wipers out for a new pair once you start hearing squeaks or you notice wear on the blades. The great news is that replacing wiper blades is usually super straightforward—just follow the instructions on the package, and you’ll be set in no time!
5. Inspect Battery Terminals and Cables
- Frequency: Every 6 months.
- Take a peek at your battery terminals and look out for any signs of corrosion. If you spot some white or green residue, don’t worry! Just mix a bit of baking soda with water and use a wire brush to gently scrub it away. Keeping your battery clean can go a long way in preventing any potential issues.
Auto Maintenance for the Professionals
While you can definitely tackle some car maintenance tasks at home, others might need a little extra specialized knowledge and tools. Our certified mechanics in Santa Fe are ready to help with the more intricate maintenance your car needs to keep running smoothly.
1. Wheel Alignment and Balancing
- Frequency: Every 1-2 years or if you notice pulling or uneven tire wear.
- When your wheels are misaligned, it can lead to uneven tire wear and make your car pull to one side, which adds extra safety issues to your drive. This takes more than a spare-tire fix, though. We have all the right tools to get your wheels aligned and balanced, or to do a tire rotation to extend the life of your wheels..
2. Brake Inspection and Replacement
- Frequency: Every 10,000 miles for inspection; replacement as needed.
- Your brakes are critical for your road safety. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or notice a soft brake pedal, it might be time to think about getting new pads or a brake fluid flush. We have two price-tiers of brake pads so that you can find ones that fit your budget!
3. Transmission Fluid Change
- Frequency: Every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle.
- Transmission fluid is crucial for smooth shifting. While it's technically possible to replace on your own, it's a more complex process than replacing engine oil. And if your warranty requires professional maintenance, then trying to replace the transmission fluid yourself could void your warranty--a big issue if you end up doing more harm than good under the hood. We'd suggest using licensed technicians.
4. Suspension System Check
- Frequency: Annually, or if you feel excessive bouncing or hear unusual noises.
- Your car's suspension plays a big role in how it feels to drive and how well it handles. If your shocks and struts are worn out, you might notice a rougher ride and a bit less control. We have the technology to find out exactly where the issue lies so that we can replace any worn parts and get you back on your way.
Final Tips for Keeping Your Car in the Best Shape
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Stick to a Schedule: Maintenance doesn't have to take over your life. Set calendar reminders so that you check your vehicle at the right time and stay on top of any issues.
- Keep a Maintenance Log: Keeping track of what maintenance you've done can keep you organized and avoid doing things twice. It helps you and whoever services your car to keep things straight. Plus, having a detailed maintenance history can really boost your car's resale value!
Master Tech: The Best Place to Get Car Maintenance in Albuquerque
By tackling some of the easier car maintenance tasks yourself and leaving the more complex ones to the professional mechanics, you’ll keep your vehicle in fantastic shape all year round. Our automotive repair in Santa Fe is here to help you get the best performance from your ride. If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment, reach out today!
