Whether you have a brand new car or a vehicle from the ’90s, you’ll likely need to take it in for repairs eventually. It’s important to keep your automobile well-maintained for the best performance, and you certainly never want to break down on the side of the road in the middle of a road trip. Here are some reasons to get your car serviced before you hit the road for your next adventure.
Oil Change
Clean oil is one of the most important aspects of making sure your vehicle runs smoothly. When the oil is not changed regularly, or if your car has an oil leak, your vehicle’s engine may be negatively affected. Usually, you can take your automobile to any local auto repair shop for an oil change. If you have the right tools and know-how, you can change your oil at home, too. Make sure you buy the correct oil and filter for your car, because the wrong things can harm your car and cost you thousands in repairs.
Brake Pads and Rotors
If you notice that your brakes squeal when you apply pressure to them, your car shakes when you use them, or it takes you longer than usual to slow down, you’ll want to replace your brake pads. Brake pads tend to wear out quicker than the rotors, so you’ll have to replace them more often than your rotors. The brake pads create friction on the rotor to slow the car down, while the rotors are connected to the vehicle’s axle and turn with the wheel. Having your brake pads or rotors fixed can be expensive, depending on whether or not you need the system completely redone. If you find that you don’t have the funds available, don’t avoid having the repairs done to your car. Instead, speak to a lender about ways they can help you get money for car repairs so you can keep your car on the road and not worry about being unsafe.
Tires
Good quality tires can last a long time when you take care of them properly. Having your tires rotated, balanced and aligned is crucial to keeping them in good shape. Rotating your tires consists of swapping the rear and front tires, and aligning them is when a technician adjusts the car’s suspension so that it does not veer to the left or right. Balancing the tires involves adjusting each tire’s weights to help it drive smoothly.
The type of tires you need will vary greatly depending on where you visit and what you like to do with your vehicle. For example, if you are going to an area with heavy snow, you’ll want to get snow tires to ensure you can travel safely and not skid off the road. Additionally, if you like to explore the countryside and plan to go off-roading, you’ll want to get tires with a lot of tread on them that can give you the traction needed to get you where you need to go.
Having your own vehicle can be a lot of fun and responsibility. But if you take your car in for regular maintenance, it should keep running smoothly for many years!
