How Often Should Car Maintenance be performed?

Spring has arrived and summer is knocking at the door.  Your vehicle has taken a beating through the harsh winter driving conditions.  You may be wondering how often should car maintenance be performed to get ready for the hot days up ahead.  If you drive a lot of miles on a regular basis, you need your car to be as reliable as possible.  This means that you should follow the vehicle maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual.  This will help prevent unforeseen breakdowns and expensive repairs. 

Kelton Research published a study some years ago that is still true today.  Although it shows that nine-in-ten American car owners believe they maintain their vehicles correctly, the study shows that only 41 percent really follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations.  The study further reports that less than one in four of the vehicle owner’s work with a certified mechanic to develop a plan for ongoing vehicle maintenance.  From these statistics, it is easy to deduce that there are a lot of vehicles on the road that is greatly in need of some type of auto repair.   

Here are some of the most important vehicle maintenance items:

• Inspect Every week or month
  • Dashboard Indicator Lights
  • Lights, exterior and interior
  • Condition of the tires
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Engine Oil Level
• Inspect Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Engine oil and filter
  • Exhaust and muffler
  • Hoses and belts
  • Power Steering Fluid
• Inspect Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
  • Chassis Lubrication
  • Wiper Blades
• Inspect Every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
• Brakes
• Cabin Air Filter
• Coolant
• Steering and Suspension
• Wheel Alignment

With the cost of gas and car repairs on the rise, as well as the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, it is important to understand that taking care of your current car could be one of the wisest economical decisions you make.

Do you know more about what are the most important car maintenance items? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance and to Make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.

What Happens When Your Radiator Goes Bad?

Well, your vehicle has made it through the harsh cold days of winter.  That means your radiator has been on the job!  As we head into spring, take time to schedule a radiator service to make sure you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road experiencing what happens when your radiator goes bad.  If you have not already scheduled radiator service, don’t delay any longer to ensure your vehicle remains reliable transportation.

So what happens when your radiator goes bad?  Take a minute to consider the three most common issues below: 

• Overheating – If the coolant/antifreeze cannot flow through the engine freely, it will likely become overheated.  Make sure the hoses are clear and that the level of antifreeze/coolant is just right.  If you should see a warning light illuminate or the temperature gauge rising to the hot zone, get your car off the road instantly to prevent damage to your engine and call a tow truck.
• Leaking – Radiator hoses and clamps should be checked frequently as they become brittle and crack over time.  If you see a puddle on the garage floor or notice the smell of antifreeze, a hose may want to be replaced or the radiator may be corroded with rust. 
• Smoking – If there is smoke coming from under the hood, it may simply be that coolant has leaked onto the motor and is being burnt off. Though, smoke coming from the muffler could mean that the head gasket has been damaged from the engine overheating.

Tip to Remember:  Regular radiator service is vital to inspect the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective.  A flush of the cooling system may be suggested, or simply topped off.

Do you have more questions about what happens when your radiator goes bad?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about radiator service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.