Does Regular Auto Maintenance Really Prevent the Need for Major Auto Repairs?

Does It Really Make a Difference?

What happens if you decide to stretch out having preventive maintenance done to your vehicle? Does it really matter? As it turns out, it does. And, the auto professionals at Expert Auto, in Bowling Green, Virginia, can work with you to provide you with the maintenance your vehicle needs.

3 Immediate Benefits

There are three easy benefits due to regular auto maintenance – it can help you save money (fixing things before they become a major problem), increase driving safety, and offer enhanced performance. However, there are many other benefits to regular maintenance that can extend the life of your vehicle and also help you avoid unnecessary, costly repairs.

Examples of Possible Problems

Preventive maintenance is often cheaper (in time, money and frustration) than if you postpone work that should be done causing deeper problems to arise. For example, dripping fluid – if detected early on – can be fixed. However, if chronic dripping continues it can contaminate and destroy normal parts prematurely, thus causing a major repair.

1. Engine Coolant – dirty coolant can clog a radiator (enough to require a replacement) and can also cause rust to form in the engine block
2. Engine and Transmission Fluids – transmission fluid should normally be changed every two years. Dirty fluid can contain flecks of metal in it and can harm the transmission enough that it needs to be replaced – which can cost between $4,000 and $8,000.
3. Tune-Up – Tune-ups are generally done around the 100,000 mile mark. Spark plugs may need to be cleaned or replaced, and the throttle body should also be cleaned (to remove carbon build-up). A dirty throttle body can clog the air control motor sensors (which stabilizes your car when idle) and can damage them or require that they be replaced.
4. Battery – a normal battery life span is roughly 4 – 5 years. Older batteries are often only able to hold a partial charge which causes the alternator to work much more often and wear it out.
5. Oil and Oil filter – Dirty oil often has bits of metal in it and can cause your engine to wear out prematurely.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth A Pound Of Cure

If you delay or ignore your manufacturer’s recommendations for service, your costs could soar from regular maintenance charges to major repair expenses. Expert Auto, (804) 632-1246, conveniently located in Bowling Green, Virginia, can help you avoid costly and unnecessary repairs by servicing your car keeping it in great shape!