Don’t Pinch Pennies on Car Maintenance

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You’ve probably heard the expression, “penny wise, pound foolish.” It means to worry more about cheaper spending than the larger expenses in life. This can be especially true when it comes to keeping your car running. Pinching pennies on your car maintenance can cost you dearly in the long run. Other than your home, your car is one of your biggest investments. Many drivers expect their cars to last longer than ever before. According to the most recent IHSMarkit survey, the average car on the road is now more than 11.5 years old. And most people expect to keep a car six-and-a-half years. That’s up from just a year ago.

The key to keeping a car of any age running smoothly is to follow some basic, routine car maintenance. Some things you can do yourself. Others require the expertise of the technicians at your local Milex Complete Auto Care location.

TIRES

Tires naturally lose air, so it’s important to check your tires regularly. You can find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside your door jamb. Read it carefully, because front and rear tires may have different requirements. This simple task will not only help your tires last longer, it will also help you get better gas mileage. Both tires and gas are expensive, so that’s a win-win. Another way to help extend the life of your tires is to have your Milex technician rotate your car’s tires. This helps promote even wear on the tread.

OIL CHANGES

The oil in your car keeps your engine clean and lubricates the parts. If you drive too long without changing the oil, it will get dirty. The dirty oil will begin to clog the engine and, eventually, will cause your engine to wear out and fail. Most owner’s manuals suggest changing the oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. But you should talk to your Milex technician about your car and your driving conditions. If your car is older or if you drive in harsh conditions, it could mean you need to have the oil changed on the lower end of that range. In-between the oil changes, you should check your oil level and add more if you are low.

TUNE-UPS

You may have heard that some newer cars don’t need a tune-up. That just isn’t true. Even the most modern cars benefit from a check up by a qualified technician. A tune-up gives your car better performance and better gas mileage. Today’s tune-ups involve a check of the fuel, emissions and ignition systems. The Milex technician will also make sure the battery and starter are in proper working order. He’ll go over the engine and check filters and fluid levels, including automatic transmission fluid and coolant. Finally, he will make sure the engine’s hoses and belts don’t need to be replaced.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

The time to find out that your windshield wiper blades need replacing is not during a storm. The Car Care Council recommends making it a habit to check your wiper blades every six months. And you should make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid more often than that. Being able to see is important! If you aren’t sure how to do this, ask your Milex technician for help.

April is National Car Care Month, and spring is the perfect time to make sure your car is ready for those summer road trips. Your Milex Complete Auto Care location can help you enjoy your car for miles to come, in summer and beyond. Make an appointment for your routine car maintenance today!

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