How Many Miles Can You Go Before You Need Car Maintenance?

As a conscientious driver, you want a safe and dependable vehicle.  You may be wondering just how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  It’s quite simple, you have two sources of information; your vehicle owner’s manual and your auto repair mechanic.  

Are you wondering how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  Most auto mechanic will recommend a full service about every 12,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.  The purpose of this service is to evaluate the components and the operating systems for general wear and tear, which includes the condition of the fluids, brakes, engine, tires, and more. 

Here is a list of most of the vehicle maintenance items covered at several intervals:

• Oil changes, including filter replacement
• Lights, tires, exhaust system
• Brakes and steering systems
• Tune up, including spark plugs, wiring, fuses 
• When to replace fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission, and coolant
• Air Conditioner system, including the radiator, belts, and hoses
• Car Suspension system--shocks, axles, struts
• Car alignment and tire balancing
• Car Battery-including the alternator and starter

Most of today’s newer vehicles are equipped with a built-in computer reminder system for vehicle maintenance items.  Unless you own an older car, mileage-based service schedules are now normally obsolete.  This reminder system takes a number of vehicle operating conditions into account and provides an alert on the dash when it is time for several services, such as oil changes, fluid level inspects, and brake inspections, just to name a few.  You should be able to trust this system, but it is still a good idea to ask your auto technician about how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance.

Are you wondering how many miles can you go before you need car maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about the recommended vehicle maintenance for your vehicle and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

How Often Should You Get Your Brakes Replaced?

If you are wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced, the answer is quite simple.  As soon as you start to notice braking issues!  There is no set schedule for brake repair and service on brakes.  Just consider various factors, such as your driving habits, the weight of your vehicle, the quality of the brake materials, and how you use your vehicle.  For example, if you drive only 8K miles a year but it's mainly in city stop-and-go driving situations, you will brake pads need to be replaced more often than someone who drives 28K miles a year on straight level highways.

So what are several signs indicating it’s time for brake repair?  Many vehicles have electronic wear indicators that alert the driver with a dashboard warning light when the pads reach a minimum thickness.  Most of the time, you will start to hear a squealing sound when you step down on the brake pedal.  This could be a built-in wear sensor that scrapes against the brake disc when the pads want replacing.  Listen for squeaking, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding.  Cleaning the brakes could eliminate several minor noises, but if the noise is persistent and loud, it typically means parts are worn out and it’s time for a brake replacement.

Have you noticed the brake warning light that flashes on the instrument panel for a few seconds when you start your car?  This is normal.  Though, if this little light comes on while you are driving, you are headed for a brake repair.  This warning light usually means that there is either an issue with your master cylinder or your brake system is low on fluid.

A good reminder that a brake inspection is due is when you have your tires rotated.   Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the thickness of the pads and the condition of the rotors and calipers.  A visual inspection is the best way to determine the amount of life left in your brakes!

Still, wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about a brake replacement and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.