If you’re a car owner, it’s critical to know the difference between auto maintenance and auto repair. Both of these things are important to the overall performance, but they have different functions.
Maintenance is regular service that is required for your vehicle while auto repairs are performed when your vehicle is not functioning properly. Your owner’s manual will have a list of maintenance schedules with recommendations on what needs to be done and when. The most common regular maintenance, that everyone has heard of, is oil changes. Yet that’s not the only service that’s crucial for your car’s performance. Here’s a list of common auto maintenance needed to keep your car in tip-top shape:
- Oil Change
- Battery
- Brakes
- Tires
- Power-Steering Fluid
- Fuel Filter
- Coolant
- Engine Belts & Timing Belts
- Spark Plugs
That’s quite a list! It seems like a lot of things you need to manage, but many of these services are simple procedures that your auto repair facility can complete that day or with an appointment. Many customers delay maintenance for various reasons. They may think it’s unnecessary, they may be too busy to bring their vehicle in, they may want to delay paying for auto services, or they might not realize that doing maintenance now can save money in the long run by avoiding repairs. It’s OK if you don’t know the difference between a spark plug and an oil cap – as long as you bring your vehicle to a reputable shop for regular maintenance. In a nutshell: performing regular auto maintenance helps keep your ride running smoothly and can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Maintenance is regular service that will help prolong the life of your vehicle, while auto repair is when a part or fluid is not performing and needs to be fixed.
Without proper maintenance, pricey repairs might be needed. For example, changing a timing belt is a straightforward procedure that is usually done around 60,000 miles. If you don’t replace your timing belt, it may break at the worst time, leaving you stranded at the side of the road. Even worse, it can do hundreds of dollars of damage to your engine. One way to avoid an expensive repair bill is to keep up on scheduled maintenance. Of course, even with regular maintenance, your car might need repairs at some point in its lifetime.
Whether your car is running properly and needs routine auto maintenance, or your car is malfunctioning and needs repairs, Central Avenue Automotive can help. Our goal is to provide high quality workmanship on all auto maintenance and repairs so that your vehicle is running smoothly for years to come. Call us to schedule your appointment today!
