Most Common Car Care Mistakes

Posted on August 8, 2017 in Maintenance, Tips From The Pros

Car maintenance can be a hassle but, in order to work optimally, vehicles require regular preventative maintenance. To help you prioritize and plan, here is a list of the of the top car maintenance mistakes drivers can make- and what you can do to avoid them.

Not Checking Your Tire Pressure

Even when tires appear to be properly inflated, they could be low on air. While the tires may not blow out, low tire pressure could lead to poor fuel economy and increase wear. It’s best to check your tire pressure regularly, at least once a month. If you notice your tires are losing a lot of air, or your tire pressure monitoring system light comes on, it might be time to see the mechanic. You should also get regular alignments and rotations, to ensure optimal tire performance.

Skipping Oil Changes and Fluid Checks

It’s easy to forget the things you can’t see, but keeping up on oil changes is crucial to vehicle longevity. Oil maintains engine lubrication, cools the engine components, and removes dirt particles and sludge; if motor oil is left in an engine for too long, the oil begins to break down, which can damage the engine’s parts. Most mechanics recommend that you change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so to avoid major engine troubles. While oil is one of the more critical fluids to monitor, there are several other fluids that should be checked, exchanged, or topped off. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant, and power steering fluid should all be serviced regularly to avoid leaks and keep your vehicle operating properly.

Performing Self Service Without the Proper Know-How

As cars become increasingly computerized, it can be tremendously difficult to fix something yourself. It might be tempting to save a few bucks, but without the proper tools, knowledge, and diagnostic equipment you can do some serious damage to your engine- costing you more money in the long run. If something goes wrong, the car’s internal computer and sensors will activate your vehicle’s Check Engine light and alert you to the issue. It’s worth it to have a professional technician take a look at your car, so you can be sure that your vehicle will be serviced properly.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

It can be easy to ignore the Check Engine light if your car seems to be operating as it normally would. But putting it off leads to higher repair costs and increases your risk of breaking down. Finding the time to have your vehicle seen by a mechanic and make any necessary repairs when the light first comes on could save you a lot of money in the long run.

At V&F

Family owned and operated since 1988, we take great pride in our work- providing top quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. Our team of certified technicians is focused on making sure your car avoids costly repairs and breakdowns, and all of our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.  Call us at (413)314-2280 to discuss preventative maintenance planning, or schedule an appointment online.