Vehicle Preventative Maintenance at Schlenker Automotive
Owning a vehicle requires more than just filling up the gas tank and driving it when needed. To ensure that your car performs at its best and to extend the life of your vehicle, regular preventative maintenance is necessary. Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge, FL, is committed to helping you keep your car in great shape by offering a wide range of services that can improve fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and save you money in the long run.
What is Preventative Maintenance?
Preventative maintenance refers to the routine checks, repairs, and services that keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent larger, more expensive issues from developing and ensure your car is safe to drive. At Schlenker Automotive, we offer services such as tire rotation, spark plug replacement, and brake pad inspections to ensure that every part of your vehicle is functioning properly.
Why Preventative Maintenance Is Important
Regular preventative maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensures that your car runs smoothly. By checking various parts of your vehicle at regular intervals, you can catch minor issues before they become significant problems. For example, ensuring that your motor oil is changed regularly can improve the performance of your engine and increase its lifespan.
Key Components of Preventative Maintenance
Let’s dive deeper into some of the most important areas of preventative maintenance.
1. Brake Pads
Your brake pads are one of the most crucial safety features of your vehicle. Over time, brake pads wear down, reducing their ability to stop your car effectively. Regular inspections can help you avoid dangerous situations.
Schlenker Automotive recommends checking your brake pads every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or sooner if you notice unusual noises or a decrease in braking performance. When your brake pads are worn out, they should be replaced to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.
2. Tire Rotation and Tread Wear
Your tires are what keep you connected to the road, so they play a vital role in your vehicle’s safety. Uneven tire wear can affect the handling of your car, decrease fuel efficiency, and even lead to costly tire replacements. Regular tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan and improving performance. Schlenker Automotive recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, but this may vary depending on your vehicle’s specific needs.
3. Car Battery
The car battery is responsible for powering your vehicle’s electrical systems, including starting the engine, lights, and turn signals. Over time, batteries can lose their charge or deteriorate, especially in extreme driving conditions like heat or cold. A failing battery can leave you stranded, so it’s a good idea to have your battery tested regularly. Schlenker Automotive offers battery testing and replacement services to ensure your battery is working properly.
If you notice that your car is having trouble starting or your headlights seem dim, it may be a sign that your car battery needs attention.
4. Wiper Blades and Windshield Wipers
Visibility is essential for safe driving, and your windshield wipers play a key role in maintaining that visibility. Wiper blades can wear out over time due to constant use, leaving streaks or making a scraping sound on your windshield. In addition, worn wiper blades may not clear water, snow, or dirt effectively, reducing your visibility during poor weather conditions.
To keep your wiper blades working correctly, replace them at least once a year or sooner if they show signs of damage. Schlenker Automotive offers wiper blade inspections and replacements to keep your windshield clear and your driving safe.
5. Air Filters
Your vehicle has two types of air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. Both filters play an important role in keeping your car’s air clean and efficient.
- Cabin air filter: This filter traps dust, pollen, and other particles to keep the air inside your car clean. If your cabin air filter is clogged, it can reduce airflow to the interior, leading to poor air quality and a musty smell inside your vehicle. It’s a good idea to replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
- Engine air filter: The engine air filter removes dirt and debris from your engine’s intake system. A dirty air filter can reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. You should check and replace the engine air filter as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
6. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine, allowing it to run smoothly. Over time, spark plugs can become worn or fouled, causing poor engine performance, misfires, or difficulty starting the car. Replacing spark plugs is essential to vehicle maintenance, and Schlenker Automotive recommends inspecting and replacing them every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
7. Turn Signals, Brakes, and Parking Lights
Your vehicle’s lighting system is critical for safety, both for you and for other drivers. Regularly inspect your turn signals, brake, and parking lights to ensure they function correctly. Faulty lights can lead to accidents or traffic violations. If any lights are burned out, Schlenker Automotive can replace them promptly to keep you safe on the road.
8. Motor Oil
Motor oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Regular oil changes are essential to keeping your engine running smoothly. Over time, motor oil can become contaminated with dirt and debris, which can cause your engine to overheat or perform poorly. Check your oil regularly and change it according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.
If you drive under more severe conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic or hot climates, you may need to change your oil more often. Schlenker Automotive offers oil change services to keep your engine running smoothly.
9. Fuel Efficiency and Air Pressure
Proper tire air pressure is essential for maintaining good fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle, resulting in lower fuel economy. Check your tire air pressure regularly and ensure it is in line with the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Schlenker Automotive can help you maintain proper tire air pressure for optimal fuel efficiency.
10. Owner’s Manual
One of the best ways to stay on top of your vehicle’s preventative maintenance is to follow the maintenance schedule provided in your car’s owner’s manual. Your manual includes specific recommendations for when to replace parts, change fluids, and perform other routine services. Reviewing your owner’s manual regularly is a good idea to ensure you’re staying current with your car’s needs.
Contact Us Today
Preventative maintenance is an essential part of vehicle ownership. By staying on top of services such as tire rotations, oil changes, brake pad replacements, and air filter changes, you can help extend the life of your vehicle and ensure it runs smoothly. Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge, FL, is here to help you with all your vehicle maintenance needs.
From brake pad inspections to spark plug replacements, we offer a wide range of services that can improve your car’s performance and safety. Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance appointment and keep your vehicle in top condition for years to come!
