Top 5 Car Maintenance Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
Your vehicle depends on you to complete all its key maintenance tasks on time and as directed by the manufacturer. If you make any mistakes along the way, your car’s health may suffer, leaving you having to handle even bigger repair needs.
Fortunately, you can skip the mistakes by simply understanding the most common car maintenance errors—and how to avoid them. Knowing is half the battle, after all. So, use this guide to learn how to best care for your car and then let our auto repair shop know when you need our support.
Using the Wrong Fluids for Your Car
Every vehicle has its own precise set of fluids to use in all its major parts. There’s really no wiggle room here. Each formula works differently in providing the right level of lubrication, cooling, and cleaning power for your car’s needs.
If you use the wrong fluids, the repercussion can range from needing to flush and fill the system to having to replace the damaged part outright. You can avoid all that by taking the time to learn about your car’s fluid needs before topping off any of the reservoirs.
Want to make it even easier? Just drop by our auto repair Manchester MD shop for support in restoring your car’s fluid levels using the correct formulas every time.
Delaying Preventative Maintenance
The fluids, filters, and other parts replaced during maintenance visits have a set service life. After that time passes, the parts and fluids start to degrade, leaving your car’s vital systems virtually unprotected.
Avoiding all that is rather simple, however. All you have to do is follow the factory-recommended preventative maintenance schedule created by your carmaker. Not sure just how that works? Our service advisors are here to help you figure out just what to come into the shop.
Skipping Quarterly Vehicle Inspections
Minor car troubles can quickly escalate into major issues if they’re not stopped in their tracks. If a cover gets knocked loose and starts rubbing on your timing belt, for example, it could cause the rubber to snap, potentially leaving you with a seized engine.
You can avoid that scenario and others like it by stopping by the shop each quarter for a digital vehicle inspection. During this service, your auto tech closely examines the car to spot developing problems. At the end, you’ll get a full report, complete with photos and videos, so that you can make excellent car care decisions.
Ignoring Your Check Engine Light
Your check engine light doesn’t turn on just for fun. This innovative system shines brightly whenever the car’s onboard computer says there’s a problem. Issues can range from a faulty mass air flow sensor to a clogged fuel filter.
Ignoring the check engine light can put you on the path toward catastrophic engine damage. There’s simply no telling exactly what’s wrong with your car until you get diagnostic services from your trusted mechanic.
The best course of action is to jet into our auto repair shop in Manchester MD as soon as that light turns on. We’ll scan the system and perform other diagnostics steps that let us know exactly which parts are causing you grief.
Failing to Make Tires a Top Priority
A quality set of tires makes all the difference in staying confident behind the wheel while moving down the straights and through the corners. Cheap or worn rubber just doesn’t have the grip you need, especially when adverse weather comes your way.
To keep your car handling at its best, consider buying the absolute best tires you can afford. Beyond that, switch out your all-season or summer tires for a winter set when temperatures hit 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, you’ll be prepared to maneuver through harsh Manchester MD weather conditions all season long.
