If you like to save money, trips to the auto shop leave you feeling like you’ve got a hole in your pocket.
That’s why you may sometimes be tempted to skip some types of car services. However, this is likely to cost you even more later down the road.
Here are the five types of car services that you simply can’t afford to skip. Let’s go!
Five Absolutely Essential Types of Car Services
1. Change Your Oilmovile
Oil keeps your engine going round and round. But after some time, the oil gets contaminated.
When this happens, the oil is ineffective and cause a poor engine performance.
Older vehicles may require oil changes approximately every 3000 miles or a few months. However, newer models need oil changes less often, between every 5,000 or 10,000 miles.
Each vehicle differs, so make sure you check the driver manual for how often you should be changing the oil of your vehicle.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Another car service you cannot avoid is to change your air filter.
If you don’t regularly change your air filter, it clogs up with dirt. This can cause damage to your engine, causing it to run less smoothly and even stall.
How often do air filters need to be changed? The simple answer is – it depends.
Most car manufacturers suggest approximately every 5,000 miles.
However, this also depends on the conditions you drive in, whether it’s city driving or dirt tracks.
If you only drive in built-up urban areas, then your air filter could last up to 10,000 miles.
3. New Brake Pads
There are so many factors that determine how often you need new brake pads. There isn’t a single rule that applies to all vehicles.
If you drive at a high speed on dirt roads, then you won’t only be Googling “mobile detailing near me.” You’re also likely to need new brake pads more often.
How do you know when you need to change your brake pads?
Many people just inquire at an auto shop.
However, most modern cars include a wear indicator to tell you when you need new brake pads.
4. Change Your Car Tires
Another car service that you cannot risk skipping is changing your car tires.
Similarly, the frequency at which you need to change your tires depends on multiple factors.
It is often recommended to change tires for every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
However, sometimes they don’t last this long. You could get a flat and need a new tire.
Luckily, tires have built in indicators so that you know when they are worn out. You’ll mostly find this in between the treads. If the tread becomes even with the ridges, you need to get some new tires.
5. Change Your Spark Plugs
Another change you may need to make is your spark plugs. If they get worn out or they get covered in dust and dirt, then it will effect the engine performance.
An inefficient engine, means spending more on fuel and risks a breakdown down the line.
It is recommended to change your spark plugs approximately after 30,000 miles. However, in some cases they can last up to 100,000 miles.
Take Care of Your Car and Your Wallet
Leaving these types of car services seems like it could save you money. But if you them go untended for too long, they can lead to much more costly problems.
Stop waiting around for something major to break.
Fix these small issues, and drive with confidence!