A tune-up for a car or truck is something that drivers historically had once done for more than 50 years. It used to mean components such as the ignition timer, spark plugs, rotors, carburetor, and more, were adjusted for performance. But given modern vehicles, those services have changed quite a bit.
Instead of having our vehicles “tuned up,” we rely on automotive maintenance. Below, we will cover the perks of regular maintenance and when you should bring your Sterling, VA, area car or truck in for those services.
What is Automotive Maintenance?
Automotive maintenance is a list of services that keep our cars and trucks at optimal performance. When regularly performing factory-scheduled maintenance, you assist your vehicle in avoiding costly repairs in the future.
What is Factory Scheduled Maintenance?
Automotive manufacturers produce owner’s manuals for every vehicle they make. Within those manuals are maintenance schedules specific to that vehicle.
The intervals of these scheduled services tend to be at 30k, 60k, 90k miles, and so on. Depending on where the vehicle is in the schedule, the technician will use a checklist provided by the manufacturer.
- Brake system; Inspection and Service
- Cabin and Engine Filter Replacements
- Timing Belt or Timing Chain Inspection
- Fluid Checks; Replace or Refill
- Spark Plug and Wires Inspection
- Tire Rotation
- Oil and Filter Change
- Hoses and Belts Inspection or Replacement
Benefits of Regular Maintenance vs. Repair
Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for performance and longevity. It is also essential for preventing future damage. Maintenance refers to the services such as oil changes, brake pad replacements, fluid flushes (brake, coolant, and transmission fluids), tire rotations, wheel balancing, brake pad replacements, and filter replacements.
Given the varying maintenance schedules, some items require service more often than others. For example, oil changes are done more frequently than brake fluid flushes, which can last for two years, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. Every driver is different!
Repairs are the services required when a component in your vehicle no longer works properly. The malfunction can be due to a part that is either worn or is simply no longer functioning as it should. For example, if a vehicle’s coolant does not have the proper water mixture, it risks freezing the engine block on a chilly winter night. If that exact vehicle had been in for an inspection and maintenance, the coolant would have been checked and either topped off or flushed and replaced. The bottom line is repairs are more expensive than maintenance. In other words, a lack of care will ultimately result in costly repairs.
Regularly Scheduled Maintenance at Casey’s Automotive in Sterling, Virginia
Book your maintenance services with us to ensure you save money on future repairs. When you come into Casey’s for any service, we provide you with a complimentary inspection that covers more than 40 areas of your vehicle. The inspection report includes photos, descriptions, and videos and is sent directly to your phone! To learn about other services for which your car might be due, look at our Maintenance Schedule for our recommended intervals.
