Important Auto Repair Services in San Diego CA

A Guide to Preventative Maintenance for Cars & Light Trucks

At Automobile Repair Shop San Diego, we understand that your car is one of the largest and most significant investments of yours. 

We believe that you can maximize the life and performance of your vehicle when necessary maintenance is made. Whether you’re going in for your 30,000, 60,000, or 90,000-mile service, we can handle any and all preventative maintenance and vehicle repairs you need. 

No matter if your car is foreign, domestic, or European, all our services will meet or exceed the requirements outlined by your vehicle manufacturer. Call and schedule your preventative service immediately to see what your car needs. We can help you avoid excessive repairs to your car by performing the required and timely maintenance checks that your vehicle needs. 

Preventive Maintenance Check List

  • Regularly reference your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended schedule of oil filter changes — estimated at every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
  • Check all fluid levels — including brake, power steering, transmission, windshield washer, and antifreeze.
  • Check tire inflation once per month — under-inflated tires can negatively impact your fuel efficiency.
  • Ensure that your engine is properly tuned — old spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%.
  • Lubricate the chassis frequently — this can extend the life of the suspension system’s moving parts.
  • Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean as needed.
  • Check battery fluid level and fill as needed — unless your system is maintenance-free.
  • Regularly inspect engine belts.
  • Check the air filtration system frequently — at least during every other oil change. This will ensure peak vehicle performance.

You may think that preventative maintenance is just another unnecessary expense for your vehicle. However, it often involves issues that you will have to deal with sooner or later and making sure that they are attended to earlier can be less expensive in the long run. Most importantly, it is a fact that preventative maintenance will help keep you and others safe on the road. If you fail to stay up-to-date with your vehicle preventative maintenance, you could find yourself stuck in a difficult situation or in need of repair when you are less able to afford it. 

Fluids

Be sure to check your fluids frequently. You may require some assistance from a mechanic to show you where to check if you are unfamiliar with the process. You should check your oil, antifreeze, streeling fluid, and brake fluid frequently. It is also advised that you check your wiper fluid. It is of critical importance that your vehicle does not run out of oil, as this can potentially lead to the entire destruction of your engine. Your oil can get extremely dirty and should be changed at around every 3,000 to 5,000 miles — or every three months. Antifreeze should not be permitted to get too low your car engine could overheat, which can lead to severe damage. Antifreeze should be checked about once every two years. 

Wheels

A Guide to Preventative Maintenance for Cars & Light TrucksCheck your tire pressure regularly — at least once a week is recommended. Purchase a simple tire gauge, then just stick it into your tire’s valve stem in order to get a reading. Low inflation can be potentially dangerous because it can lead to a loss of control and even blowouts on the road. It can also negatively impact your vehicle’s gas mileage. You should also check the tire tread for uneven wear and to see if there is enough read on the tires. A good trick is to stick a penny in the tread of the tire, and if you are able to see over Lincoln’s head, it’s probably about time to purchase a new tire. 

It’s also crucial that you have your brake pads checked frequently. Brake pads can last anywhere from 20,000 to 60,000 miles. You should also listen to see if you hear any screeching or grinding. These signs can alert you to any possible problems, but it is advised to check often and get pads changed earlier than later for increased roadway safety. 

Air Filter & Battery

Two other key areas that should be checked include your air filter and your battery. Have our mechanics test your battery if it is older than three years. A battery will usually last around five years or more. Take a hard to see if there is any corrosion around your battery or battery cables. If you believe that your battery is reaching its ending point, you should just plan to replace it. Spending a lit bit of money early on can potentially save you from being stuck somewhere later. 

Your air filter is essentially what keeps the air running through your engine clean. The filter can get extremely dirty, and replacing will increase your vehicle’s performance. A dirty air filter can even negatively affect your gas mileage. 

Your vehicle is made of many different parts, and all these parts have to be kept in good functioning order. Bring your vehicle into our service center in San Diego, and our team of technicians and mechanics will perform a vehicle inspection to make sure you are aware of any possible issues with your vehicle or light truck. Always pay attention to any dashboard lights that come on and have them checked out immediately. 

San Diego Auto Repair Shops

Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experience. We will offer you a hassle-free auto repair starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.