The best way to prevent long-term and costly problems with your vehicle is to keep up with its preventative maintenance schedule. One major key to successfully making sure you are doing all you need to do is to read your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Regardless of your vehicle’s make or model, its owner’s manual will contain a maintenance schedule. Every make and model is different, and standby beliefs such as “You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles,” may not apply to your car.

The maintenance schedule within your owner’s manual is provided by the people who understand your vehicle the best—the company that built it. The manufacturer provides suggestions for how often you need to change your oil, filters, driving belts, timing belts and more.

While some preventative maintenance—such as topping off fluids—can be performed by the vehicle’s owner, other, more complicated procedures should be done by experts like the team at Advanced Auto Service, Inc. . Our team can keep your vehicle in top shape by performing the following maintenance:

• Inspecting and replacing timing belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
• Inspecting and replacing serpentine belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
• Checking and changing oil
• Checking, repairing and replacing battery connection components
• Checking and replacing batteries
• Checking and replacing cabin air filters: This can keep your car comfortable during the hot summer months.
• Checking and replacing your engine air filter, You may need to replace your engine air filter more frequently if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or have a long commute.
• Checking and replacing spark plugs
• Tire rotation: This helps ensure even wear on your tires, which can help prevent blowouts and leaking. It also helps make your ride smoother.
• Tire balancing: Balancing your tires prevents wear, which can significantly improve their life and save you money.
• Wheel alignment

By following your vehicle’s owner’s manual and having your vehicle inspected and maintained regularly, you can greatly reduce problems and save money in the long run. Let the expert team at Advanced Auto Service, Inc. help your vehicle stay in good condition.

PUTTING OFF CAR CARE? STOP STALLING! Call or TEXT Advanced Auto Service.

Overdue for an oil change or a brake inspection? Whatever the service, by postponing necessary maintenance, you may be causing extensive damage to your vehicle and increasing the chance of a breakdown. The non-profit Car Care Council suggests you stop stalling and get your vehicle serviced today.
“Many people don’t realize the consequences of putting off needed vehicle maintenance. Not only can neglecting vehicle service cause safety issues if ignored, but it can lead to costly repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With nearly 80 percent of vehicles needing service, a new part and/or repair, chances are your vehicle could use some extra attention.”
The Car Care Council recommends following a vehicle service schedule, keeping a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide in the glovebox and performing these most common routine maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle performing at its best…

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
• Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and safety reasons, such as defrosting.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

“Be sure to fully inspect your vehicle annually, including performing a tune-up and wheel alignment,” said White. “If you suspect there is a problem, don’t stall and address it quickly before minor repairs become more complicated expensive repairs.” For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org/ To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.