5 Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Services That Are Often Missed 

Getting the most out of your vehicle means taking care of important maintenance items. While many drivers are aware that an oil change is necessary, there are some other regularly scheduled maintenance items that can go overlooked. You can extend the life of your vehicle by ensuring that these five, often skipped services, are completed.  

1. Air Filters

   Just as you need to breath, so does your car! The engine air filter and the cabin air filter need to be checked and replaced. The engine air filter keeps dirt and debris out of the intake and should be examined every 30,000 miles, unless there are severe driving conditions like frequent off-roading or driving on unpaved roads. It might not need to be replaced at that time, but checking the status is a good idea. 

The cabin air filter is what prevents road dust and dirt from entering the cabin through the AC/heating/ventilation system. This has a direct effect on the air quality that you and your passengers breathe. This should be checked between 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions.  

2. Cooling system

   The cooling system on your vehicle keeps the engine a the proper temperature during operation and prevents it from overheating. Check the system for coolant level, coolant quality, make sure there isn’t any corrosion in the system and inspect hoses. A coolant flush is recommended every three to five years, or every 30,000 miles.

3. Transmission fluid

   Just like oil, your transmission fluid needs to be changed as well. On many vehicles, you can check the quality and level of the transmission fluid through a dipstick. It’s recommended to drain and replace transmission fluid every two years or every 30,000 miles. Signs that your transmission needs attention are hearing grinding noises as you shift gears, the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly or if there’s a pause when switching gears. Don’t let it get to that point with proper fluid maintenance! 

4. Brake system

   The brake system is a vital part of vehicle safety and care. There are several components to the brake system including the brake pads themselves, brake fluid/reservoir, brake lines, calipers and master cylinder. A tell-tale sign that your brake pads are low is to hear squealing while braking. All of the other components should be checked, too. The brake system should be inspected once a year, and fluid should be replaced every three to five years.

5. Power steering system

   Power steering makes driving your vehicle so much easier, increases responsiveness and provides drivers with better control. The power steering system should be checked for fluid level and quality, corrosion and clogs every couple of years or every 50,000 miles. 

Don’t Skip These Important Maintenance Items

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, you won’t want to miss checking these five important service items. Each manufacturer will have a recommendation for how often to perform maintenance on these systems, so be sure to follow the guidelines provided in your owner’s manual.     

Need maintenance service?

Have you realized that your vehicle needs service on one or more of these often overlooked items? Contact the service department at any of our dealerships to learn how they can help you maintain your vehicle.