Good Car Care Keeps You On the Go
Well-maintained vehicles deliver stronger and more efficient performance. Proper maintenance also helps avoid breakdowns and costly repairs, which can save you money. And when it comes time to replace your vehicle, a documented maintenance history will contribute to a higher resale value.
How do you know when your vehicle needs routine service? With older vehicles, motorists had to study the owner’s manual or maintenance booklet and decide if they drove in “normal” or “severe” conditions. Then, they consulted a time/mileage chart that indicated when the car should be taken to the shop – and hopefully they remembered to do so. Most cars today are equipped with computerized maintenance reminder systems that remove much of the hassle from car care.
In a recent AAA survey, six out of ten motorists said their cars have a built-in maintenance reminder system that alerts them when it’s time to change the oil or perform other services. More importantly, the survey also found that the reminders are actually driving many owners' service decisions, with 51 percent of respondents saying they follow the computer’s recommendations.
Confusion Still Reigns
Still, many motorists are not maintaining their vehicles adequately. Based on 2012 Car Care Council vehicle inspections, 77 percent of vehicles had overlooked maintenance items – the majority of which involved low or dirty engine oil. But many also had other service needs that are not routinely prompted by in-vehicle maintenance reminders, things such as low engine coolant, dirty air filters, or burned-out headlamps.
Oil changes are another point of confusion. Advances in modern engines and improved oil formulas have made the 3,000-mile oil change obsolete. Based on in-vehicle computer monitoring of engine operation and oil condition, today’s average oil-change interval is around 7,800 miles, with some models that use full-synthetic oils able to travel up to 15,000 miles between oil changes!
What’s Right for Your Vehicle?
Whether you personally perform vehicle maintenance or rely on a trusted technician, the key is to follow the schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer. If your car has a reminder system, trust it to schedule your oil changes, but also be sure to review your owner’s manual or maintenance booklet to learn what other services are due at the same time. Never ignore a maintenance reminder. Doing so will increase engine wear and potentially cause long-term damage. Proper car care is the best way to keep your vehicle running reliably and avoid costly repairs.
Looking for a trustworthy repair shop for your vehicle maintenance? Facilities in the AAA Approved Auto Repair program have been inspected and certified by our Automotive team, and meet stringent quality standards in community reputation, facility appearance, customer service, staff qualifications and training, and tools and equipment. To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you, visit AAA.com/autorepair.