Today’s automobiles and trucks are more dependable and trouble-free than ever, thanks to technological advances and improved engineering. But to keep your vehicle trouble-free, routine maintenance is an absolute necessity. Such maintenance will keep your repair bills lower in the future, help your vehicle perform at its peak, and hold on to its value as the years pass.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer has given you complete maintenance guidelines that are found in your owner’s manual. Feel free to consult with your Haymarket Motors service specialist if you have any questions about these recommendations, or about services available.
Belts and Hoses
The rubber that is used to make your vehicle’s engine belts (such as the drive belt) and radiator hoses can dry out and crack. Belts and hoses can also come loose from continual vibration. A sudden malfunction of these relatively inexpensive parts can have costly consequences.
Trained technicians can detect many potential belt and hose problems with a visual inspection. Those inspections, plus regular replacement of belts and hoses in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, are your best protection against expensive repairs.
Lighting
You have to keep your headlights working properly to see and be seen from the front. And if your brake lights aren’t in order, it’s difficult for drivers following you to know that you are stopped! So if a headlight, taillight, or other part of your vehicle’s lighting system aren’t in order, come to for quick head lamp and bulb replacement.
And to make sure your headlights are properly illuminating the road ahead, have a technician adjust their aim at least once a year.
Wipers & Accessories
For optimum visibility in rainy or icy conditions, replace your wiper blades at least once a year, or whenever they begin to streak or “chatter.” Select shops carry a full range of wiper blades and other accessories sized to fit your vehicle.
Fluids and Filters
The single most important piece of maintenance you can perform on your vehicle is to change its oil every 3,000 miles (5000 kilometers), or as recommended by the manufacturer, based on your driving conditions. With each oil change, the oil filter should also be replaced.
And with each oil change, your trained technician will also perform an inspection of your car’s air filter, while also checking vital fluid levels, such as battery water, automatic transmission fluid, coolant/antifreeze, brake fluid, and others
