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Like with almost anything you own, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last. This holds true for your vehicle as well. Regular car maintenance in Sterling, Virginia is essential to extending the life of your vehicle, as well as keeping it safe on the road. While it’s important to have every element of your car checked regularly, there are 4 parts that are essential to maintain on a regular basis:
Oil
Oil is what keeps your engine’s parts running smoothly and functioning properly. Over time the oil will become contaminated by exhaust gases and even small bits of metal, which reduce its effectiveness. Heat from the engine can also break down the oil and make it too thin to lubricate the engine properly. How often your engine’s oil needs replacing can vary depending upon the type of car, but in general you should be replacing your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles.
Air Filter
There are two main air filters in today’s cars. The cabin Air filter and the Engine Air filter. A clogged cabin air filter affects not only the quality of the air you breathe but also how well your HVAC system works in your car. Your gas mileage and horsepower will be greatly reduced from an engine air filter. The frequency of your air filter change is based on two factors: the miles you drive and the atmospheric conditions during those miles. When you come in for your car maintenance in Sterling, VA, it’s always a great idea to look at the air filters and check on their condition, as you never know what amount of dust or fumes you’ve driven through since your last check.
Brake Pads
How often you need to change your brake pads depends on many things, including: your driving style, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the existing brake pads, and the condition of your brake rotors. If you drive more aggressively, then your brakes will wear and tear quicker than the average driver. Some cars come with electronic monitors that will alert the driver when the brake pads need replacement, however if yours doesn’t, just listen for your vehicle’s wear indicator to make a slight screeching or scraping sound when you brake, as that is generally a clear sign that you need new brake pads. If you’re not sure, stop by for car maintenance in Sterling, VA at Casey’s and we can take a look.
Tires
There are two things to look for when it comes to tire maintenance: tire pressure and tire tread. The lifetime of your tires is dependent on both. Most repair shops will check your tire pressure when you bring in your car for any sort of standard car maintenance in Sterling, but if you want to check it yourself on a regular basis a tire pressure gauge is an affordable and easy tool to use. It’s important to have the proper tire pressure, as improperly inflated tires can cause blowouts that lead to accidents or keep you stranded on the side of the road. Tire tread is another thing to include in your regular car maintenance. Low tread can mean that you don’t have the proper traction on the road, which is incredibly important with the harsh winter months around the corner. Be sure to monitor your tire tread and take your vehicle to a car repair shop for professional advice if you think the tread may be getting too low.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Car Maintenance in Sterling, VA
Keeping your car in good running condition will not only extend your vehicle’s life and keep you safe, but it can also save you money. At Casey’s Automotive, our car maintenance services in Sterling will ensure that you leave with a safe and well-functioning vehicle. Learn more about our maintenance services, and please contact us today with any questions or to set up an appointment.
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