Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Preventive Car Maintenance – Regular Maintenance Prevents Expensive Repairs

Preventing car damage and repairs should be every car owner’s number one priority. Cars are the primary method of transportation for many families. Many people count on a working vehicle to take them to and from work. Keeping a car in good condition requires a few simple services done on a regular maintenance schedule. Not only do these services keep key components running smoothly, but they also help prevent expensive repairs and even potential accidents.

Changing your oil is one of the most basic things you can do to prevent damage to your engine. Motor oil is responsible for lubricating, cleaning, cooling, and protecting the engine of the car. As you drive, moisture accumulates in the engine. Unless you spend a lot of time driving on the freeway, chances are that moisture never has a chance to boil off, leading to an accumulation of sludge, acid, and fluid. You can probably imagine the damage that acid buildup can do to your engine if you do not change your oil – it is not pretty. How often a car will need oil changes depends on the vehicle. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Some diesel engines may need their oil changed more often. If there is any doubt, consult your owners manual.

A transmission flush, brake flush, radiator flush or power steering flush might be necessary from time to time as well. Transmission fluid keeps the transmission well lubricated and running smoothly; a flush, while not strictly necessary, can prevent transmission failure. Flush transmission fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Brake fluid should be flushed roughly every two years. As you drive, brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the boiling point to lower over time and makes your brakes lose power. Your radiator will become clogged over time and should be flushed twice a year so that it can keep your car cool. Finally, you might consider a power steering flush to keep your power steering system lubricated. This should be performed around the same time you change your coolant.

Also, a fuel injector service can improve engine performance and reduce “carbon knocks.” Basically, when you request a fuel injection service you can expect to have your fuel injector, rails, and even the fuel tank cleaned out. This removes carbon deposits that build up around the fuel injector. Although it can greatly improve horsepower, fuel efficiency, and performance, whether or not a fuel injector service is worth the cost depends on the condition of your car and the quality of the gas you use. However, as part of your car’s preventive maintenance regimen, fuel injector services can keep your car running smoothly. Contact Bruneel Tire Factory today for your preventative maintenance needs.