Your car, truck, or SUV is a complex machine that will run into problems from time to time. This is normal, so don’t fret or get angry. If you maintain your automobile, you won’t face as many problems as drivers who ignore maintenance recommendations. Nonetheless, you can expect to have the following services done over the lifespan of your vehicle, especially if you keep it for years and years.
Spark Plugs
You need healthy spark plugs to start your vehicle and keep it running. They ignite the gas/air mixture in the combustion chamber to fire everything up. On average, your car, truck, or SUV’s spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles. Signs it’s time for new plugs include being unable to start your car, rough idling, stalling, and low gas mileage.
Oxygen Sensor
Your vehicle removes exhaust to keep the engine running efficiently and the oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is in the exhaust. Too much oxygen will cause your engine to run lean, and you won’t get the performance you should out of it. Plan to have the oxygen sensor changed after you’ve hit the 100,000 mileage milestone unless the sensor is bad.
Brakes
Your brakes are so important to your safety on the road and they go through a lot to stop your vehicle. Brake systems use kinetic energy created by friction to slow down and stop; this takes its toll on the parts. You should have your brake pads changed every 25,000-to-50,000 miles, depending on their condition. You may also need other parts replaced over time.
Oil
Dirty oil can wreak havoc on your engine. In fact, if you let the problem go long enough, you’ll ruin the engine and need a replacement. Oil is the engine’s blood, if you will, nourishing the parts by keeping them lubricated. This lubrication prevents them from overheating and excess heat causes damage. Have your oil changed every 3,000 miles to avoid oil-related engine trouble.
Tires
Finally, if you’ve ever had a tire blow out you know how frightening that can be. Tire problems come in all shapes and sizes, including blowouts, flats, and uneven tire tread wear that reduces the tires’ life spans. The key to preventing all of this is regular tire rotations and balancing every 6,000 miles. If you aren’t hard on your tires, you may be able to go every 10,000 miles between rotations.
Fast Lane Automotive can help you with any of the problems and much more. Call us today to set up an appointment for your vehicle.
