Six Car Maintenance Services You Should Complete Annually

Preventive car maintenance may be costly but will protect your investment by keeping it in top shape for optimal performance. Although continuous trips to the mechanic are a hassle, this will ultimately save you a lot of time and money by forestalling total damage. Many people do not realize that your car requires yearly maintenance from the wear and tear resulting from frequent use. This protects not only your investment but ensures the safety of yourself and other cars on the road. Here are six preventative maintenance services that need to be completed annually. 

Oil Changes 

At least twice a year car owners should take their automobile into their mechanic’s office for an oil change. Replacing the oil in your car involves the act of adding new oil and a new filter to your motor vehicle’s crankcase. Although many people attempt to perform this job on their own, it’s responsible to have your oil changed by trained professionals to guarantee a job well done. Because oil has a limited lifespan, your oil needs to be changed periodically – but the timing of this varies depending on your car’s make and model.  For some older cars with conventional oil and filters, oil changes are only required approximately every 3,000 miles. But for more modern cars that run on synthetic-blend oil or full synthetic oil, changes are only needed every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. 

Tire Rotations

It is important to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles in order to visually inspect them for damage, assess their air pressure, and have them rebalanced. Periodically changing the position of your tires keeps them from deteriorating quickly and allows you to evenly redistribute wear across all four tires, therefore maximizing their life. The front wheels of your vehicle tend to take on the most wear and tear when braking and turning the corner, which causes friction to degrade the rubber soles of the tire. These soles are an essential part of the tires that allow you to gain traction in slippery weather.

Light Inspections 

Headlights are an essential safety feature that keeps you and others safe while driving down dark roads and intersections. When a headlight goes out, the problem is usually a bad bulb, which is easily replaced, however, the problem could also be a corroded socket or a bad wire. Although many may attempt to repair this themselves, It’s important to get your headlights repaired by a professional mechanical engineer. They will be able to effectively change a headlight bulb, repair a cracked headlight lens, and replace an entire headlight assembly if necessary. Failing to do this could run the risk of damaging your car, or receiving a hefty fine by means of a headlight ticket.  

Windshield Wiper Replacements 

If your wipers are causing more streaks than they are cleaning, it’s probably time to get them replaced! All car owners should ensure crystal clear vision by regularly changing their wiper blades & treating their windshield with a water repellant. The recommended time between replacements is approximately one year or less. 

Brake Maintenance

Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on any motor vehicle, ensuring the safety of you, your investment, and others on the road. Having your brakes checked by a professional mechanic helps ensure that your brakes engage every time you press on the brake pedal. Not only is this a safety concern, but faulty brakes can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Because brake pads are designed to wear gradually, waiting a long time to replace them will put stress on other features of your car brake system, including rotors, drums, and calipers. Damaging these components of your car will end up costing you a great deal of money in the long run. 

Interior and Exterior Detailing 

Although interior and exterior detailing does not have any effect on your car’s performance, it is important that these services are done routinely to keep you and your passengers comfortable and stylish on the road! Detailing is an important investment into your car’s appearance that goes much farther than your average gas station car wash. Detailers can repair chips in paint, dents, and scuffs, while also ensuring the interior gets back that new car scent. It is widely known that a clean car has a positive phycological effect on a car owner, so this maintenance service is well worth the money!

Book your annual maintenance services with 411 Drives

At  411 Drives we understand the importance of preventative measures and provide all of the above services to our beloved clients. Book your appointments today, to ensure your car is meeting safety and function standards.