THE COST OF NOT MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Performing timely vehicle maintenance is something that can easily fall victim to today’s ultra-hectic lifestyles. Most people know maintenance is something they should do, but many don’t realize the potential consequences of postponing important maintenance items.
“Pushing off regular maintenance can actually cost more money in the long run,” said Don Paxton, a spokesperson for AAA. “For example, we sometimes see instances of engines that have to be rebuilt or tires that have to be replaced prematurely because they weren’t properly maintained.”
The importance of regular maintenance becomes crystal clear when we examine what can happen when some crucial items are ignored.
OIL
Oil is critical to the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. Oil lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction and keeps the engine from building up too much heat.
Over time, oil starts to thin and becomes contaminated with dirt, metal and other particles. When you don't change your oil at the recommended intervals, the oil's ability to lubricate properly degrades. The particle build-up becomes abrasive to engine components, causing premature wear within the engine. This makes the engine less efficient and leads to major problems down the road.
TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT
Rotating your tires regularly evens out tread wear and makes your set of tires last longer. Ignoring tire rotations can cause uneven wear that can lead to safety concerns such as heat buildup, hydroplaning, poor traction in snow and ice and increased risk of blowouts. By following the manufacturerrecommended tire rotation intervals, you also protect your warranty rights in the event you need to make a claim.
Improper wheel alignment is another problem that can pose safety issues and can cost more to fix down the road. Misalignment can cause tires to wear unevenly and need replacing prematurely. It also can decrease gas mileage and possibly damage the vehicle’s suspension.
Buying new tires and repairing a suspension are more costly than an alignment, but the bigger issue is safety. An improperly aligned vehicle can be difficult to steer and braking can suffer, increasing the risk of accidents.
Have your car alignment inspected regularly, and if you notice signs of misalignment – difficulty keeping the steering straight or unusual vibrations – have it checked and corrected right away.
BRAKES
Unusual vibrations or strange noises when braking could be a sign of trouble brewing with brake pads, calipers or rotors. Quick attention to an issue could help prevent damage and replacement of the more expensive parts of your braking system.
Regular maintenance also can pay off with a better resale price when it comes time to trade your car. By following the recommended service intervals in your owner’s manual and paying attention to any issues that pop up in between, you can stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
