Russ Darrow Group recently shared routine car maintenance tips on its website that owners should follow to keep a vehicle in top running condition.
The maintenance typically required most often is an oil change, which may be necessary every three months or every 3,000 miles or so, depending on the age of the vehicle, the posting said.
When getting an oil change, many shops will also check the car's alignment, rotate the tires, check the brakes and refill fluids. All of these are important safety checks that can prevent major problems later. Tire rotation will help ensure your tires wear evenly, which makes the car drive more efficiently and helps prevent bald spots that could cause a tire to burst or go flat.
Checking alignment also helps ensure the car drives straight, which also lessens tire wear.
A brake checkup is extremely important from time to time, as being able to brake quickly is a necessary safety requirement. If the brakes feel squishy or unusual when you step on the brake pedal, or if they squeal regularly, they should be checked as soon as possible.
Oil changes are important because oil lubricates all the moving parts of the engine. Without oil, an engine cannot run and will be destroyed. With old, dirty oil, an engine won't run well, either.
Putting off maintenance or repairs could lead to more costly repairs down the road, the posting said.
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