Between work, family life, and all the other obligations that we have to juggle, it can be easy to put car care on the back burner. However, regular vehicle maintenance is more important to keep your vehicle reliable.

Not only does maintenance keep your vehicle running, but it will make it last longer without costly repairs. It can even help you snag a better resale price or trade-in value. If these things matter to you, follow these 10 basic maintenance tips!



1. Don’t skip factory-recommended services - Your car manufacturer has laid out the groundwork of everything you need to have done (and when to have them done) to your car to keep it running. All you have to do is commit to following it. These services may include replacing parts like spark plugs, fluids, and belts.
2. Read your owner’s manual - These pages contain a great deal of information. It specifies fluids/parts your car needs, has instructions on how to diagnose problems, and how to use certain features in your car.
3. Never miss an oil change - Depending on what kind of oil your vehicle’s engine needs, you should change your oil every 3,000-10,000 miles.
4. Use the right kind of fuel - Make sure you are always filling up with the right octane level fuel for optimal efficiency and performance.
5. Check your tire pressure - Tire pressure checks aren’t just for maintenance, but they are key to keeping you safer on the roads. They also make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer. 
6. Have your tires rotated - Speaking of even tire wear, did you know that the front tires and the back tires wear at different rates? To ensure they wear evenly, switch your tires’ positioning at every oil change.
7. Learn your vehicle’s warning lights - You must understand what your vehicle is trying to tell you. Some vehicles won’t explicitly tell you something is wrong through text. Instead, you may see a warning light/symbol on your dashboard.
8. Top off on fluids - Other than motor oil, your car has many fluids, including brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and more. These should be clean and topped off as well.
9. Change your filters - Vehicles also have filters to keep the bad stuff out of your engine, gas, and the air you breathe. Make sure these get changed when they are dirty.
10. Ask about your belts and hoses – Belts and hoses are the lifelines of your vehicle. They help your car run. It is best to inspect them regularly to catch early signs of wear and tear to avoid leaks and breakages.

If you are looking for reliable auto services and repairs in Poynette, WI or Cottage Grove, WI, please turn to Grahams Auto & Truck Clinic