Car maintenance is an essential part of vehicle ownership. While some drivers may think they’re saving money by avoiding a trip to their local mechanic, neglecting to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule can lead to some very costly repairs.
It may not always be convenient to bring your car in for service, but routine maintenance will always be more affordable than major auto repairs that may have been preventable.
At Berube’s Complete Auto Care, we have seen our fair share of costly repairs – many that could have been prevented if the drivers had avoided making these 5 common car maintenance mistakes.
1. Ignoring Your Vehicle’s Warning Signs
Your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights are not the only signs you need to be looking out for to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly. Since you know your car best, you should always be on the lookout for any strange sounds, smells, or vibrations coming from your vehicle. Trust your instincts instead of waiting for these issues to go away on their own.
2. Skipping Oil Changes
This will not only reduce the lifespan of your engine but can also lead to other costly repairs down the road. Routine oil changes are a quick and affordable service that will help to keep your engine operating at peak performance.
3. Going to a Dealership Instead of a Mechanic
While car dealerships are equipped to handle most car repairs, independent mechanics have more experience working on varieties of makes and models of vehicles. Local auto shops tend to be more affordable, can diagnose your vehicle’s issue quicker, and offer a personalized service experience that often can’t be beaten.
4. Neglecting Proper Tire Upkeep
Your tires play a vital role in our vehicle performance. Not only do they impact fuel efficiency, but they are also responsible for your safety while on the road. All too often, we see drivers neglecting to rotate their tires, maintain correct air pressure levels, and replace their tires once they’ve worn out.
5. Failing to Adhere to Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule
Like anything else in life, car maintenance requires a bit of routine. Unfortunately, many drivers try to stretch their time between maintenance visits. While those few hundred, or sometimes thousand miles between visits may not seem like a big deal, they can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your car. The additional wear and tear on your tires, engine, brake system, cooling system, and more can cause some serious damage and lead to expensive repair jobs.
Maine Mechanics You Can Rely On
At Berube’s Complee Auto Care, we want to help our Maine drivers avoid making these costly car maintenance mistakes. Our team of experienced technicians is here to help you develop a routine maintenance schedule that keeps your car running smoothly without the hefty price tag.
If you’re looking to set up a routine maintenance schedule or find yourself in need of a repair, we invite you to give our shop a call. We’ll be happy to take a look at your car and do our part to keep you driving safely.