Five car repairs you shouldn't skip

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

We often don't think about maintenance on our vehicles until something is wrong. But keeping your car in top running condition is vital. We went to highly-rated auto repair professionals for the 5 auto service items you shouldn't skip out on.

Oil Changes: Oil is the engine's blood, and is critical to a car's long life. Your vehicle's oil should be changed depending on your driving habits, typically every 5-10 thousand k's around 3-6 months. You should check your oil about every 2,000 k's. Tyre Maintenance: Properly maintained tyres improve the steering, stopping and traction of your vehicle. Tyre pressure should be set to the manufacturer's specification. Tyres that are over or under inflated wears tyres out faster, affect fuel consumption, and is a safety hazard. Rotate and balance your tyres every 10-12,000 k's and get an alignment check every year to make sure there are not suspension problems. Fluids Transmission fluid, break fluid, and coolant can break down over time and lose their effectiveness. All fluids should be checked and topped off every oil change. Have your transmission fluid flushed out every 80,000 kilometres, depending on your driving habits. Brake Check: Brake inspection should be part of your vehicle's ongoing maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. You should have your brakes inspected at least once a year; more often if you experience grinding or shaking when you break. Regardless of care, brakes will likely need to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 k's. Scheduled Maintenance: Failure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule could lead to breakdowns, poor fuel economy, and a higher cost of ownership in the long run.