Ever wonder what the problem is if you go just a little bit longer without changing your oil or not having your vehicle otherwise maintained? Skipping seemingly small car maintenance appointments can quickly turn a small problem into a “time to go car shopping again” problem.
Skipping your Oil Change
The length of time you can go between oil changes depends on the type of car you have. On average, it’s recommended that you get an oil change every three months with average use, or 3-5,000 miles. If you go too long before changing your oil, you end up with sludge buildup. This happens when oil begins to solidify. Your car relies on oil to both lubricate the joints between moving metal parts and collect particulates before they make it into your engine and cause damage.
Letting Your Fluids Get Too Low or Contaminated
There are six essential fluids used under the hood that your vehicle depends on to dependably and efficiently run. These include engine oil (mentioned above), transmission fluid, washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. During an oil change, theses fluids are typically checked and topped off if needed.
However, any number of issues can go wrong between oil changes causing your fluid levels to decrease and cause harm. While low washer fluid or even power steering fluid may not wreak havoc when low, the other fluids can cause serious trouble.
Transmission fluid cools your transmission and lubricates gears and other transmission components for smooth shifting. Low levels or contamination can make the shifting process difficult and may even keep you from changing gears.
Brake fluid can become contaminated and is also susceptible to leaking. When either of these things happen, you may notice a delay in the slowing and stopping of your car, increasing your chances of getting into an auto accident.
Coolant, which does exactly what it sounds like (cools the engine), helps to prevent your vehicle from overheating. When there is not enough coolant to absorb all the heat the engine produces, it may cause your car to overheat and stop running. It can permanently damage your engine, requiring you to shell out a lot of money for a replacement.
Ignoring the Condition of Your Belts
While belts tend to last a long time, they don’t last forever. At around 50-60,000 miles, you should ask your mechanic if it’s time to replace your belts. If the serpentine belt is worn down or breaks before replacement, it can diminish alternator function or cause you to lose electronic functions including power in your vehicle.
If a timing belt breaks, it can cause major damage to your engine. You face the possibility of getting stranded on the side of a road or repairing a lot of other damage caused by a broken belt.
Hassle-Free Car Maintenance in Jupiter
Prevent premature wear and tear by getting your car inspected at regular milestones. If you’re unsure of the typical service milestones for your car, bring it into our shop in Jupiter. Our experienced mechanics will schedule your next service according to your needs and your vehicle manufacturer’s suggestions.
Don’t let a problem with a simple solution go untreated for too long. If you suspect any of the above problems in your ride, call us today for an appointment at 561-847-4097. Or, drive right in for a quick oil change or other mechanical services.
