How Do I Know When It’s Time for Car Maintenance?
Knowing What Car Maintenance Needs to Be Done
Staying on top of your vehicle's preventive maintenance is one of the most important facets of vehicle ownership. Routine maintenance not only plays a large role in optimizing your vehicle's performance, but it also helps minimize the risk of mechanical breakdown and helps you save money by avoiding costly trips to the mechanic.
However, not every driver understands just how often their car needs various car maintenance services. Some drivers may be aware that their vehicle needs a routine oil change, but they may not be sure about the other services that are required to keep their vehicle in tip-top shape.
Tate Boys Has You Covered
At Tate Boys, we feature an expert team of ASE-certified mechanics who can help keep your vehicle in like-new condition. Whether your vehicle is due for an oil change service, or you need other services such as a tune-up or a coolant flush, our experts are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to schedule an appointment at Tate Boys today to trust your vehicle in the hands of the experts.
If you're interested in learning more about common auto repairs and how to keep your car running smoothly, check out our Comprehensive Tulsa Auto Repair Guide. Below, we’ll explore how you’ll know when it's time for your vehicle's next preventative maintenance service.
There Are a Couple of Ways You’ll Know When a Service is Due
Check the Owner’s Manual
Your owner's manual will prescribe your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule throughout its lifetime. This detailed car maintenance schedule is designed to keep your vehicle performing its best and aims to minimize the risk of mechanical breakdown while optimizing your vehicle's performance and fuel economy. While this detailed list is designed to help you better care for your vehicle, your vehicle's specific needs will vary depending on your own driving style, how frequently you drive, and the operating environment of your vehicle.
Ask Our Professional Mechanics
Another way to determine when it's time for your vehicle’s next maintenance service is to bring your vehicle to Tate Boys. Whether you bring your car, truck, or SUV in for service or repair, one of our ASE-certified mechanics can spot any potential components of your vehicle that may need attention. Additionally, you can bring your concerns to one of our service advisors, and our mechanics will give you their best advice.
A General Service Interval Guide
We’ve mentioned that your vehicle's particular needs will vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as your driving style, frequency of driving, and operating environment. However, here are the average service intervals for the main components of your vehicle:
Oil Change Service
An oil change is, by far, the most important service of your vehicle's preventive maintenance needs. This is because your motor oil works to protect your engine, which is one of the most expensive and vital components of your vehicle. Here are the average service intervals for the three main types of oil:
- Conventional Oil: Every 3,000–5,000 miles
- Synthetic Blend: Every 5,000–7,500 miles
- Full Synthetic Oil: Every 7,500–10,000 miles
Rough idling and decreased fuel economy may be signs that it's time for an oil change.
Brake Pads
Your brake pads are responsible for bringing your vehicle to a stop. These high-friction pads clamp down on a rotor to slow you down when you hit the brake pedal. Over time, these pads wear thin and will need to be replaced. Failing to replace these pads in time can seriously compromise your vehicle’s stopping power and potentially lead to a collision.
On average, brake pads need to be changed directly every 30,000 miles, but this figure can vary greatly depending on your own driving style. For vehicles that are largely used for urban driving, the brake pads may need to be changed as often as every 15,000 miles. In contrast, vehicles that are largely driven on the highway may only need brake pad replacement every 75,000 to 80,000 miles.
When your brakes wear thin, you may notice that it takes your vehicle longer to stop. You may also notice excess squeaking or grinding. These are telltale signs that it's time for a brake repair service.
Coolant
Coolant (also referred to as antifreeze) is circulated through your engine's cooling system and prevents your engine from overheating during normal operation while preventing your cooling system from freezing in the wintertime. While this fluid is great at its job, it will need to be changed roughly every three years or every 36,000 miles.
If you notice your temperature gauge climbing higher than usual or hear your cooling fans working overtime to cool your engine, it may be time for coolant service.
Tires
Your tires are an important component of your vehicle because they translate every steering, braking, and acceleration input to the road. Driving with bald, worn, or damaged tires can result in a blowout or even a collision.
It's recommended that you change your tires every six years, even if you still have tread left. This is because as your tires age, they begin to dry out and cannot rebound as they once did when you hit bumps and potholes. The older your tires get, the more likely they are to blow out, so we recommend changing them every six years to remain safe on the road.
Low tread, tiny cracks in your tires, or uneven tread can all be signs that it's time for tire service.
Trust the Experts at Tate Boys for All Your Service Needs
At Tate Boys, you can get all of your vehicle’s preventative maintenance needs completed under one roof. Each of our mechanics is ASE-certified and uses quality replacement parts to ensure that your vehicle is always ready for whatever the road throws at you.
We also offer outstanding service coupons that help you enjoy quality and trusted vehicle preventative maintenance while saving money. Contact us to schedule an appointment or ask us about a free service estimate and trust Tate Boys to keep your vehicle in its best shape.
