How do I Determine the Best Car Maintenance Schedule?

If you are like many people, your car is an important resource. Without it, your life may become chaotic and difficult. It is, therefore, important that you adhere to a car maintenance schedule. To determine which schedule is best, you can consult your vehicle’s manual or get advice from auto maintenance professionals.

Breakdowns are generally inconvenient and costly. In many cases, they are also avoidable. The way to avoid them is to maintain your vehicle. Most drivers generally do not know which auto components should be checked or replaced at which times without some help. For this reason, manufacturers commonly include a car maintenance schedule with a vehicle.

The car maintenance schedule is usually a document or booklet that informs a car owner of what services she should seek and when she should seek them. She can track and confirm the need for services by comparing the number of miles she has driven against the car maintenance schedule. For example, the car maintenance document may advise a major tuneup at 12,000 miles. When the odometer approaches or reaches that mileage, the car owner can schedule the service.

If you do not have a manufacturer-issued car maintenance schedule, you should check your owner’s manual. There are often sections that provide advice on how to maintain the vehicle. This may be less comprehensive, but it can provide you with information to help you establish a suitable car maintenance program. Useful vehicle-specific information is also commonly available on the Internet.

An auto maintenance professional can also be a great help. This is especially true if you have special needs or concerns. For example, you may use your car to drive long distances or may commonly drive in areas that are muddy or have steep inclines. This can create circumstances that may be best handled with a car maintenance schedule that take your driving habits into consideration. In such instances, even if a manufacturer’s schedule is accessible, the advice of a professional is advisable.

Conferring with an auto maintenance professional also allows problem areas to be observed and addressed. Mechanics often develop connections with vehicles that are like relationships. They begin to understand the vehicle and to know what it needs at what times. For this reason, when you are considering an auto maintenance schedule, it is wise to also consider choosing an auto service provider you will stick with.