When was the last time you the reader of this article had your vehicle serviced by a professional automotive technician? Chances are many readers haven't had their vehicles serviced at all much less by a professional who will check much more than fluid levels. Many automobile manufacturers today tout extended intervals for vehicle maintenance and services, but none of these manufacturers can boast elimination of the need. That's right readers you absolutely must service and maintain your vehicles if they are to last and provide the advertised purpose of the vehicle. Maintenance and service are much more than changing the oil and rotating the tires, although these two things are an absolute bare minimum for automotive care. Oil and tire service will extend the life and fuel economy of your vehicle which will ultimately put money in your pocket.
Changing the oil in your vehicle can be a costly function with the synthetic and synthetic blend oils of today. Conventional oil for that matter is quite a bit more expensive today than it was say four years ago. Regardless of the cost and type of oil in your vehicle, there is no more important maintenance function than the changing of the oil and filter for your vehicles engine. Conventional oils still require a change at 3000 miles or 3 months whichever occurs first, and this interval applies to most drivers. There are other intervals for different driving habits and conditions, but the previous works for most people. The synthetics and synthetic blends can extend these intervals to as much as 10,000 miles and 6 to 12 months dependent upon vehicle type, driving habits and conditions.
It is the opinion of this author that maintaining the tires for your vehicle is second only to changing the engine oil and filter. I say tire maintenance is second because your tires won't matter if your engine quits. Your tires should be rotated at each oil change but every other oil change will work as well. Proper tire inflation is essential for the tires to perform as advertised. There is one drawback to having your tires rotated and the air pressure checked during the oil change. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold which ideally is first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, even dedicated professional automotive technicians can error and make this check when the tires are hot. Checking and adjusting the tire pressure when tires are hot can lead to an over or under inflation scenario. Usually it is the latter. The air in the tires expands when the tires are hot and some technicians will let this air out which results in an incorrect pressure. The pressure differential can be in excess of 5 pounds in some cases. Remember, low tire pressure equal poor fuel economy.
I said before that many owners don't have their vehicles serviced at all much less by professional auto technicians and this is true and important. Routine oil changes and tire rotations can be handled by most service centers such as your local Walmart etc. (This author purchases all tires from Walmart along with the warranty plan. The warranty plan includes lifetime rotation and balance. I am trying to sell you on Walmart but you just can't beat the convenience. I go there to shop and get my vehicle serviced while shopping.) Remember to re-check your tire pressure in the morning to ensure proper pressure.
The professional automotive technician should not be ignored. All vehicle owners should have their vehicles checked out thoroughly by a pro at least annually. Professionals find the things the lube tech missed or created and can keep you and your loved ones safe.
Things to remember from this article:
Change your oil as directed by the vehicle manufacturer usually every 3 months or 3000 miles
Check your tire pressure monthly (cold in the morning) or at least when you change your oil
Let a professional inspect your vehicle annually it will give you piece of mind
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