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Top 15 Must-Have Services for Your Car

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The feel and performance of a new car doesn’t last forever. Over time, your vehicle will require regular car servicing to maintain its condition and run smoothly.

But what types of repair or services does your car need to stay in tip-top shape?

In this article, we’ll explore vital car maintenance services
We’ll also cover when you should service your car.

This Article Contains:

Let’s begin.

15 Essential Car Services to Maximize Vehicle Performance

Regular maintenance and car servicing play a crucial role in maximizing the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

Below are some essential car maintenance services you shouldn’t avoid:

1. Get Your Engine Oil Changed

Motor oil plays a crucial role in the performance of your engine. However, dirty motor oil can do more harm than good. It can cause severe damage to engine parts and trigger an engine breakdown, which would require costly engine repair. 

To avoid such expensive engine repair, have an auto service mechanic perform an engine oil change for you every 3,000 to 12,000 miles.

But remember: The ideal interval between oil changes can depend on your driving habits, the quality of your oil filter, and the type of oil you use. Plus, a new car may require less frequent oil changes. 

2. Have Your Tires Serviced

Tires halt and propel your vehicle. Direct contact with the road means they’re susceptible to wear and tear over time, which must be routinely checked during your car service.

Here’s what an auto repair mechanic would do during a tire maintenance service:

3. Exchange Your Old Air Filter

The air filters in your car keep debris and contaminants out of your vehicle. 

How?
The engine air filter prevents dirt from entering your engine, while the cabin air filter prevents impurities from getting into your car’s air circulation.

During car servicing, a mechanic will inspect your air filters for clogging and replace them if need be. Scheduled maintenance for air filters should be every 12 months or 12,000 miles (or anytime they get too dirty).

4. Replace Ancient Coolant Fluid

The engine’s cooling system requires coolant fluid to keep the engine from overheating. But over time, coolant fluid can become contaminated with debris, making it ineffective.

To avoid an unexpected breakdown and expensive roadside assistance, ensure your coolant fluid is replaced at every 30,000 mile interval. 

5. Halt Better with Brake Service

The braking system ensures that you can control the trajectory of your vehicle on the road. Get a mechanic or visit an auto repair shop for quick brake service to ensure you’re on top of your car maintenance.

How often should you check your brakes?
Brake service should be performed every 20,000-60,000 miles. However, pay close attention to your brake pads and brake fluid levels. 

The brake pads need to be replaced between 30,000 to 35,000 mile intervals, while the brake fluid needs to be changed every 2 years.

6. Flush Out Dirt with Fuel System Service

The fuel system delivers fuel to the engine so your vehicle can move. But over time, fuel components, such as the fuel filter and tank, become clogged with dirt and carbon buildup.

During fuel system service, the fuel system is cleaned, and the fuel filter is replaced. 

Moreover, you can contact a professional mechanic (like ASE certified technicians) to add a fuel additive every 30,000 miles. It helps prevent deposits and improve vehicle performance.

7. Exchange Bad Transmission Fluid 

Transmission fluid, which lubricates the components of a car’s transmission, can become thin due to the high temperatures in the engine. This leads to rough shifting and gears slipping.

An auto repair mechanic usually performs a transmission fluid flush every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for improved shifting.

8. Receive Power Steering Service

The power steering system helps you steer that heavy chunk of metal that is a car. But it can become ineffective if dirt clogs its components from frequent use.

During regular maintenance, a mechanic will check the power steering components and power steering fluid levels. If the fluid levels are low, they’ll replenish them with a power steering fluid flush. 

Ideally, vehicles need a power steering fluid flush every 40,000-80,000 miles.

9. Replace Your Worn Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the spark for your car’s ignition system. Due to high temperatures, they can become damaged and worn, which can turn on your check engine light.

As a car owner, it’s a good idea to get your local auto repair shop or mechanic to inspect your spark plugs every 50,000 miles. If damaged, a mechanic can repair or replace them.

10. Shift Like Speed Racer with Clutch Repair

Driving with manual gears?
The clutch allows for the easy shifting of gears and the control of the car’s speed. However, it can lose effectiveness and become too stiff or loose over time, leading to shift problems.

You should ask your mechanic if you need clutch repair and replacement during regular maintenance or auto service since these parts typically last around 60,000 miles.

11. Get a Timing Belt and Serpentine Belt Check

The timing and serpentine belts are crucial to your engine’s functioning. However, these belts wear out over time due to heat and physical damage. So, it’s essential to have a mechanic check your belts per your vehicle’s manufacturer-suggested maintenance schedule — around every 60,000-100,000 miles. 

The mechanic will perform a visual inspection during scheduled maintenance to see if they can repair them. If not, they will replace the belt(s).

12. Bring Back the Cool with Air Conditioning Service

The air conditioning system provides cool air that helps you survive hot days. 

But here’s the thing: 
Prolonged use of the system can lead to malfunctioning, leaving you hot and bothered.

To round out your car maintenance, try to get air conditioning service at least once a year. The service will include an inspection of fans, wiring, and compression. 

13. Replace Leaky Hoses

Various hoses help your vehicle run smoothly. But they may develop swelling, tears, and cracks due to regular usage, high temperatures, or abrasive debris.

What can you do about it? 
To prevent a check engine light warning, inspect and replace your hoses every 4 years during car maintenance. 

14. Get a Battery Replacement

High temperatures during long drives or hot days can impact your car battery, leading to battery drain.

During car repair and maintenance, an auto repair mechanic should test your battery. If need be, they will install a battery replacement to reestablish functionality. 

However, experts recommend you change your battery every 4 to 5 years.

15. Undo Car Damage with Collision Repair

Every car owner fears being involved in a car accident. With the hassle of insurance and costly roadside assistance, it’s no wonder some people ignore car repair after a crash. 

That said, it’s crucial to get collision repair to mitigate the damage. Generally, it includes dent removal, auto detailing, scratch removal, etc. 

Now that we know which car services are essential to the reliability of your vehicle, let’s explore how often you should receive them.

When Should You Service Your Car?

Whether you drive a new car or an old one, regular car maintenance is crucial for maintaining the overall health and performance of your vehicle.

The recommended intervals for regular car services can vary depending on several factors, including: 

Your best guide for service intervals is your owner’s manual, as different parts of your car require different servicing frequencies. That said, you should receive full service at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. 

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance services for your car, such as engine oil changes, brake service, and air filter replacements, ensure longevity and optimal performance. Plus, you can effectively mitigate potential issues by adhering to recommended service intervals and entrusting your vehicle to qualified professionals.

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