Mileage-Based Maintenance: Is it Necessary?

Even though your teeth don’t hurt, you go to the dentist every six months. And although your body feels like it’s functioning properly, you go to your physician once a year for a checkup. Why? Because even if you don’t think you’re sick, issues could be quietly hiding, so it’s smart to consult a professional who can discern any potential impending problems, giving you peace of mind.

 

The same ideology should be applied to your vehicle.

 

Thus, a question we regularly hear is, “Do I need to take my car in for mileage-based maintenance, and if so, how often?” The answer to the first part of that question is a definite “yes!” But as for the “how often?” part, well, that depends on a few factors.

 

Whether you need a wheel alignment in Yardley, PA, a tire repair, or a more extensive task completed, you can count on us to get the job done right at an affordable price.

 

Picture this: You just finished what felt like the longest work week of your life. Glad that’s over, right? To unwind, you decide to take a trip down the shore for a relaxing day at the beach. You get in your car, and soon enough all your work woes will be far behind as you bask in the sun while sipping gin and tonics. You make it 40 minutes down the turnpike and all of a sudden your car starts smoking and dashboard lights you haven’t seen before begin to flash violently like strobe lights. It’s official—your car broke down. No shore for you.

 

Let’s go over some information about mileage-based maintenance, so operating your vehicle can always be a day at the beach:

 

Why it’s Smart

In the old days your car would start to act up and you knew it was time to bring it to your trusty mechanic. Those days are gone. In today’s high tech world, your car will often continue to run perfectly right up to the point when it breaks down and suddenly needs expensive repairs.  Here’s why; computers control all aspects of vehicle operation allowing adaptive strategies in the event of component failure. The computer will adapt to the deteriorating condition of your car’s maintenance items (like its filters and spark plugs) until it no longer can. That’s when the car stops!

 

How Often Should You Take it in?

It’s best to follow the mileage-based maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. This can be found in your owner’s manual, or we’ll be happy to print you a copy. It details mileage and time requirements for each service. If you’re not sure what’s been done, we can take a look and advise as to how to bring your maintenance up to date.

 

What Will We Do?

Maintenance items are specific to the manufacturer, but generally minor services include oil and filter changes, tire rotations and various inspection items such as checking brakes, hoses, belts and other similar things.

 

Major services may include things like spark plugs, timing belts, filters and fluid changes, as well as other vehicle-specific services.

 

How Much Will It Cost?

• Minor services rarely cost more than $100.00, although there are exceptions!
• Major services can range up to $1,000.00 or even more, but usually are under $500.00.
• Of course, we’ll let you know exactly how much your maintenance will cost before we start.

 

All in all, if you’ve never taken your car in for mileage-based maintenance, it’ll be in your best interest to give us a call. Once you bring the vehicle in, we’ll be able to take a good look and discern what it needs, and answer these questions more thoroughly. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Did you know we also in auto detailing in Morrisville, PA? Get in touch to find out more.