4 Types of Preventative Car Maintenance You Should Consider Every Year

Preventative maintenance is an important part of keeping your car, and other investments in good condition. It can help you save money by preventing costly repairs down the road and extend the life of your possessions.

However, it’s easy to overlook preventative maintenance when there isn’t a major problem to address. To make sure you’re staying on top of your car’s health, here are four types of preventative maintenance you should consider every year:

1. Oil Change - Regular oil changes are one of the most discussed topics on our blog when it comes to preventive maintenance. Your engine's performance depends on having clean, clear oil that keeps its components running smoothly and prevents build-up of dirt in the mechanics. To ensure optimal functioning and longevity of your vehicle, you should change your car's oil every 3,000 - 10,000 miles depending on its condition.

Check your oil regularly to make sure it is still clean and full. During your vehicle's regular maintenance, your mechanic can take care of this for you - or if you prefer to DIY it, feel free! Rest assured that with the correct procedures there will be no harm done to your car. No matter whether you choose to go with a classic dip stick or the more modern electronic gage, all vehicle owners should understand how to test for clean oil. 

2. Tire Alignment - Tire alignment is a critical and often overlooked maintenance task that should be done once a year. Improper tire alignment will cause the tires to wear unevenly, eventually leading to premature tread wear and costly replacements. It also affects your car’s performance, decreasing fuel efficiency and increasing your chances of getting in an accident.

To check your car’s alignment, start by inspecting the tires. If you see uneven wear and tear, that is a sign that your car needs to be re-aligned. Additionally, pay attention to how your car drives - if it pulls to one side when you are driving straight or veers away from a straight line when let go of the wheel it’s a good sign you need to get your tires aligned.

3. Battery Check - Cold winter weather can be hard on vehicle batteries, so it’s important to make sure yours is in good condition every year. If your car battery is weak or failing, you won’t have enough power to start your car, or the engine might die while you’re driving.

Use a voltmeter to check your car battery. Start by removing the caps on the terminals. Connect the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive terminal and then connect the negative one. Check the reading. A healthy battery should read between 12.4V and 12.7V. You can also have your mechanic do this for you.

4. Timing Belt Inspection - A timing belt is an important piece of your engine that helps keep the valves and pistons in sync. If it breaks, your car will not be able to run properly. To make sure you’re not stuck with a broken timing belt and a costly repair, have your mechanic inspect it every year.

It’s also important to note that not all cars have timing belts. Many newer models have a timing chain, which works similarly but is more durable and doesn’t need to be replaced as often.

Keeping up with preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your car and save you money in the long run. So don’t forget to check your oil, tire alignment, battery and timing belt on a regular basis to keep your car running smoothly.

At Salt Lake City Fleet Pro Mobile Mechanic, we are here to help with all your vehicle maintenance needs. Our team of experienced mechanics can provide quality services for any type of car and make sure that it is running like new. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.