Too busy to come in for an oil change? You might want to reconsider that. Letting those few thousand miles or kilometers pass you by can take a toll on your vehicle.
Dubai’s leading oil change service provider says that skipping on regular oil changes can cause greater wear and tear on your vehicle’s parts.
Failing to schedule regular car maintenance can result in a hefty repair bill in the future.
Take the oil change, for example. Your vehicle’s engine relies on oil to survive. Without the right amount of oil, your engine might rust and corrode. Eventually, this will lead to a complete breakdown and have internal wear.
Looking to keep the performance of your vehicle at its optimal level? Read on to learn the importance and benefits of regular car maintenance.
1. Saves money
It might seem counterintuitive to spend money so you can save money. However, by following a routine car maintenance schedule, you can avoid bigger issues down the road. Regular servicing ensures problems get caught early. This improves the efficiency and lifespan of the vehicle, no matter how old your vehicle is. And that is money well spent.
2. Minimizes heavy vehicle repair
A lack of repairs or maintenance can potentially cause your vehicle to become unsafe on the road. Preventative vehicle maintenance helps reduce breakdowns, allowing you to make the most of your vehicle. Performing regular mechanical car service can improve the safety of your vehicle.
3. Improves performance
Regular maintenance enables your vehicle to operate at its full potential. This is highly effective in hotclimates where severe weather and unstable or uneven terrain will challenge even the most experienced driver.
4. Improved air quality
In addition to improved performance, regular service and maintenance will keep the air quality of your vehicle clean and toxin-free. A well-maintained air filter will also contribute to increasing fuel efficiency and improving acceleration.
What’s more, a well-performing heating and air conditioning system results in a more comfortable riding experience, particularly during sweltering summer temperatures or below-zero conditions.
5. Increases resale value
As mentioned, routine maintenance helps you save money, but regular car servicing does more than just save money. The better shape your car is in, the greater its resale value will be. This will allow you to trade-in or sell your vehicle for a high value when you’re ready to upgrade.
6. Saves time
When your car is running as efficiently as possible, you spend more time on the road and less time at the mechanic’s shop.
Skipping regular maintenance appointments or waiting until something happens can result in a severe breakdown. Regular car maintenance ensures your vehicle does not break down at an inopportune time, like on the way to an important event or during an emergency.
7. Improves fuel economy
A well-maintained car is a fuel-efficient car. When a car is fuel-efficient, it can run at its best. Not only will you save more money at the pump, but your car will also use less oil, emit less pollution, and allow your vehicle to go further on a single tank.
8. Extends lifespan
For most people, their home is the largest purchase they will ever make in their lifetime. The second largest purchase? A car. Regular car maintenance secures the longevity of this investment. A regimented maintenance schedule adds years to the lifespan of your vehicle, making sure you get your money’s worth.
9. Eliminates guesswork
When you go in for regular maintenance, your car has a detailed car maintenance log. This log is essential to saving on unnecessary maintenance costs. Knowing when you have to go in for an oil change, for example, allows you to be more productive with your time.
No matter how long you’ve had your vehicle, your car maintenance log will ensure that unexpected performance issues are never a concern, especially when your vehicle has long passed its warranty coverage.
Vehicle maintenance checklist
With all of these benefits in mind, here are the main components of your car you should be diligent about. Following these important vehicle maintenance tasks allows you to reap all of the benefits mentioned above.
The timeline of these checks may vary according to season and driving conditions.
Contents
Every month
Once a month, perform the following inspection. These tasks should take only a few minutes. These tasks cost little to no money, provided no issues come up:
- Engine light – Make sure it is turned off. If the check engine light is on, bring it into the shop.
- Washer fluid – Top up if your washer fluid is low.
- Tires – Check the condition of your tires (inflation, tread, etc.).
- Lights – Confirm all of the lights (interior and exterior) are working.
After inspecting the interior and exterior of your car, perform a quick clean. Vacuum the interior and wash/wax the exterior.
Every three months or 3,000 miles/5,000 km
These checks only need to be done once a quarter. However, in the long run, these inspections will have a huge impact on the longevity of your car:
- Fluids – These can include anything from brake fluids to transmission fluids.
- Oil and filter – If your vehicle has low oil, top up. If it has dirty oil, bring it in for an oil change.
- Belts and hoses – Certain climates can ruin rubber parts like belts faster than others.
- Exhaust system – Inspect for rust or corrosion.
- Battery and cables – Check its performance and inspect for corrosion.
Every six months or 6,000 miles/10,000 km
In addition to the inspections you perform every three months, including the following checks:
- Chassis – Listen for abnormal noises (squeaks, creaks, etc.) and inspect lubrication.
- Engine air filter – Visually inspect the air filter and replace if dirty.
- Windshield wiper blades – Change if noise occurs when the system is in operation.
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles/20,000 km
Once a year, include the following alongside your six-month inspection:
- Steering and suspension – Check for play in the steering and inspect suspension system for leaks, cracks, and/or other damage.
- Power steering fluid – Check dipstick for reservoir level and inspect its condition (does the power steering present groaning noise or increased steering effort?).
- Coolant – Inspect for rusts, leaks, and reservoir level.
- Cabin air filter – Check and replace.
While this checklist will keep your vehicle in optimal working condition, it should be noted that everything listed above are simply guidelines. Your car’s service manual will give you a more detailed overview of what preventative maintenance tasks need to be done.
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