Although most good quality cars are built to last for at least 10 to 16 years, you can prolong the life of your vehicle if you follow a car maintenance schedule.  To find out what maintenance and servicing issues you need to address, read your car’s owner’s manual.

Though you need to read and follow the instructions listed in your owner’s manual, there are a few things you must do on a regular basis. You need to perform regular oil changes and the oil filter to prevent engine problems.  Also replace the spark plugs and refill the coolant after flushing out the old fluid. As a general guideline, the engine oil and the oil filter should be replaced every 3 months or for every 3,000 miles it is driven.

There are several other things you need to be doing at least once a year. For instance, you will need to schedule a transmission flush and replace it with the right fluid that’s recommended in your owner’s manual every 12 months. In addition, get the brakes and brake pads inspected once a year, to prevent any mishaps.

If your vehicle has been driven over 60,000 miles, you need to be extra diligent to keep on top of your preventative maintenance schedule. If any part of the vehicle begins to malfunction, get it fixed at the earliest signs to avoid expensive repairs in the future. You must also change the timing belt and refill the power steering fluid. Preventive maintenance not only prolongs the life of your car, but it also ensures the reliability and safety of your vehicle.

We want to help you keep track of all your car services. Visit our website at www.goodworksautorepair.com to view our new web based Service and Rewards Program! It calculates your personalized service schedule and helps you earn and track points with every maintenance visit. In one location, you can view your service history online and earn loyalty points for every visit.