Most of us know that routine oil changes help prolong the life of a vehicle. However an oil change at the local super chain doesn’t replace the need to get your car routinely inspected and serviced by a reputable master technician. In addition to oil changes, your car will need maintenance to keep it dependable and running smoothly.
Did you know your car has two air filters? There’s one for the engine and one for the car’s cabin. When the engine’s air filter gets dirty and clogged, the engine won’t be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers, causing the engine to run “rich,” so that gas mileage suffers. Your car’s cabin air filter can also become clogged with leaves and dirt, affecting the quality of air you breath. And in severe cases cause reduced heat and air conditioning due to low volume of air blowing in the car.
Flushing the cooling system every five years prolongs the life of your radiator, engine and heater by washing away corrosive dirt and rust. Changing your transmission fluid at regular intervals can extend your transmission’s life by as much as 50 percent, while new spark plugs and fuel injection service can dramatically increase gas mileage—which is also good for the environment.
Checking air pressure, along with rotating and balancing your tires is another important consideration if you want to save on gas and avoid replacing them too soon. Brake service and investing in new brake pads is also critical if you want to avoid expensive damage later on to rotors, drums and calipers.
Finally, keep an eye on your timing belt. If a timing belt breaks, the results could be catastrophic, causing a piston to crash into an open engine valve, thereby damaging your engine. Let Ari or one of the certified master technicians at Master Tech Auto Repair inspect your timing belt, along with the rest of your car’s critical systems to ensure maximum performance and trouble-free driving for years to come.
Your car requires regular upkeep, not only to preserve your investment, but to keep you and your passengers safe. The money you spend on a preventative maintenance now will pay off in the long run with a reliable vehicle and fewer surprises and expensive repairs down the road.
