The Sun recently claimed that almost 50% of U.S. drivers worry so much about vehicle maintenance costing them money that they delay it for up to 18 months. The irony is that such a holding tactic can potentially cause further costs as if you don't fix issues or find them early, they can have broader and more costly consequences. So, what are the best vehicle upkeep times to prevent these potentially costly repairs?
Below, we explain the best times to book preventative vehicle maintenance in Killeen, Texas. Read on to discover vehicle maintenance tips to help you schedule a mechanic and ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Maintenance Schedules for Throughout the Year
It may seem like a lot, but ensure you schedule minor maintenance throughout the year to react to seasonal changes. Specific maintenance requirements depend on your vehicle or the manufacturer's recommendations for the parts you have. However, the following is a good ballpark for when is a good time to check many of your vehicle's parts.
For example, you should inspect the following for each different season:
Spring Maintenance
You will need to resolve issues that could have appeared due to the ice and snow of winter.
- Inspect tires and brakes after winter wear
- Replace wiper blades from ice damage
- Remove salt and grime from the undercarriage
- Test the AC
Summer Maintenance
Prepare for the over-100-degree heat of Texas summers.
- Check coolant levels
- Inspect tires for heat expansion
- Check for cracks in belts and hoses
- Replace air filters to clear out the spring pollen
- Check all fluids are at appropriate levels
Fall Maintenance
You want to prep for the colder weather.
- Check tires and consider switching to winter tires
- Check brakes
- Inspect lights to prepare for longer nights
- Test the heating to get ready for winter
Winter Maintenance
Ensure you prepare your vehicle for freezing temperatures.
- Switch to winter tires
- Check antifreeze levels
- Check battery health in the cold weather
- Inspect oil to ensure its viscosity in freezing temperatures
Recommended Timeframe for Vehicle Servicing
While many of the above are possible to do yourself, there are several other areas you would be better off getting a professional to handle. For example:
- Tire rotations
- Brake inspections
- Battery health and replacement
- Steering alignment
If mishandled, these problems could cause potential safety issues, so try to avoid doing so yourself. Instead, speak with a mechanic like Phil's Service to ensure your vehicle receives the best care.
Preventative Car Care for Texas Road Trips
If you plan on going on a long journey, check your vehicle before you go, or you may end up experiencing preventable problems on the way. As well as ensuring that your car matches all the legal requirements for a new state if you happen to pass through a border, you should also check that your:
- Oil and AC filters are up-to-date
- Tire depth is deep enough for a long drive
- Headlights and brake lights are visible at night
- Windshield wipers function and have enough fluid
- Transmission and brake fluids are topped off
Doing each of these gives you the best chance of avoiding a breakdown or needing to visit a gas station for expensive last-minute top-ups.
Timing a Service to Align with Military PCS Schedules
In Killeen, Texas, where military service is more common, you may often need to drive long distances if you receive a permanent change of station (PCS). This requirement also applies if you help a friend with their own move.
Book a preventative maintenance service with a mechanic, such as Phil's Service, one month before the move. A professional mechanic will then check your vehicle's systems and ensure everything works as it should. They can inform you of where issues exist that you might want to resolve before they worsen and also get your vehicle back to a well-maintained state.
Vehicle Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
There are, naturally, several things that your vehicle may start to do that would require you to check in for maintenance immediately. While these incidents may exist outside of regular auto service schedules, they indicate times when you should prioritize the safety of your vehicle by getting it checked out. They can also cause repairs that may be significantly expensive.
For example, if you ignore dashboard alerts, your vehicle will likely experience more wear and tear than usual. Depending on the specific alert, your insurance may even choose not to pay out if you ignore a sign of required maintenance for long enough. A mechanic will have an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) device that they can use to determine the exact nature of any alert, as some will have multiple meanings.
If you hear strange noises in your vehicle, this is also another time you should address a concern by seeking out car maintenance in the Killeen area. Much in the same way, if you start to detect strange smells such as burning oil or the odor of antifreeze, it may suggest leaks in your vehicle. Getting repairs to these can prevent you from losing more fluids and causing unnecessary wear to your car.
If you feel vibrations while the engine is on, this could have several causes, none of which are good. These include:
- Unbalanced or misaligned tires
- Damaged brakes
- Worn suspension
- Faulty driveshaft
- Worn bearings
- Bent rims
A mechanic can run through all the possibilities of what might cause the issue step by step. They can then resolve it with minimum hassle.
Failing to do any of the above not only leads to the potential of damage to your vehicle but also a reduction in your driving safety.
Booking Preventative Vehicle Maintenance in Killeen, Texas
Performing preventative vehicle maintenance in Killeen, Texas, ensures your vehicle remains as reliable as possible throughout the year. We recommend scheduling regular checkups with us here at Phil's Service to prevent the potential of untimely and costly repairs in the future.
We can offer expert advice on anything we find and a maintenance solution that fits your specific needs. So, request an appointment to learn how we can help you keep your car in optimal condition all year round.
Wondering when to schedule preventative vehicle maintenance in killeen, Tx?Make an appointment at Phil's Service about our car maintenance.
The Sun recently claimed that almost 50% of U.S. drivers worry so much about vehicle maintenance costing them money that they delay it for up to 18 months. The irony is that such a holding tactic can potentially cause further costs as if you don't fix issues or find them early, they can have broader and more costly consequences. So, what are the best vehicle upkeep times to prevent these potentially costly repairs?
Below, we explain the best times to book preventative vehicle maintenance in Killeen, Texas. Read on to discover vehicle maintenance tips to help you schedule a mechanic and ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Maintenance Schedules for Throughout the Year
It may seem like a lot, but ensure you schedule minor maintenance throughout the year to react to seasonal changes. Specific maintenance requirements depend on your vehicle or the manufacturer's recommendations for the parts you have. However, the following is a good ballpark for when is a good time to check many of your vehicle's parts.
For example, you should inspect the following for each different season:
Spring Maintenance
You will need to resolve issues that could have appeared due to the ice and snow of winter.
- Inspect tires and brakes after winter wear
- Replace wiper blades from ice damage
- Remove salt and grime from the undercarriage
- Test the AC
Summer Maintenance
Prepare for the over-100-degree heat of Texas summers.
- Check coolant levels
- Inspect tires for heat expansion
- Check for cracks in belts and hoses
- Replace air filters to clear out the spring pollen
- Check all fluids are at appropriate levels
Fall Maintenance
You want to prep for the colder weather.
- Check tires and consider switching to winter tires
- Check brakes
- Inspect lights to prepare for longer nights
- Test the heating to get ready for winter
Winter Maintenance
Ensure you prepare your vehicle for freezing temperatures.
- Switch to winter tires
- Check antifreeze levels
- Check battery health in the cold weather
- Inspect oil to ensure its viscosity in freezing temperatures
Recommended Timeframe for Vehicle Servicing
While many of the above are possible to do yourself, there are several other areas you would be better off getting a professional to handle. For example:
- Tire rotations
- Brake inspections
- Battery health and replacement
- Steering alignment
If mishandled, these problems could cause potential safety issues, so try to avoid doing so yourself. Instead, speak with a mechanic like Phil's Service to ensure your vehicle receives the best care.
Preventative Car Care for Texas Road Trips
If you plan on going on a long journey, check your vehicle before you go, or you may end up experiencing preventable problems on the way. As well as ensuring that your car matches all the legal requirements for a new state if you happen to pass through a border, you should also check that your:
- Oil and AC filters are up-to-date
- Tire depth is deep enough for a long drive
- Headlights and brake lights are visible at night
- Windshield wipers function and have enough fluid
- Transmission and brake fluids are topped off
Doing each of these gives you the best chance of avoiding a breakdown or needing to visit a gas station for expensive last-minute top-ups.
Timing a Service to Align with Military PCS Schedules
In Killeen, Texas, where military service is more common, you may often need to drive long distances if you receive a permanent change of station (PCS). This requirement also applies if you help a friend with their own move.
Book a preventative maintenance service with a mechanic, such as Phil's Service, one month before the move. A professional mechanic will then check your vehicle's systems and ensure everything works as it should. They can inform you of where issues exist that you might want to resolve before they worsen and also get your vehicle back to a well-maintained state.
Vehicle Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
There are, naturally, several things that your vehicle may start to do that would require you to check in for maintenance immediately. While these incidents may exist outside of regular auto service schedules, they indicate times when you should prioritize the safety of your vehicle by getting it checked out. They can also cause repairs that may be significantly expensive.
For example, if you ignore dashboard alerts, your vehicle will likely experience more wear and tear than usual. Depending on the specific alert, your insurance may even choose not to pay out if you ignore a sign of required maintenance for long enough. A mechanic will have an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) device that they can use to determine the exact nature of any alert, as some will have multiple meanings.
If you hear strange noises in your vehicle, this is also another time you should address a concern by seeking out car maintenance in the Killeen area. Much in the same way, if you start to detect strange smells such as burning oil or the odor of antifreeze, it may suggest leaks in your vehicle. Getting repairs to these can prevent you from losing more fluids and causing unnecessary wear to your car.
If you feel vibrations while the engine is on, this could have several causes, none of which are good. These include:
- Unbalanced or misaligned tires
- Damaged brakes
- Worn suspension
- Faulty driveshaft
- Worn bearings
- Bent rims
A mechanic can run through all the possibilities of what might cause the issue step by step. They can then resolve it with minimum hassle.
Failing to do any of the above not only leads to the potential of damage to your vehicle but also a reduction in your driving safety.
Booking Preventative Vehicle Maintenance in Killeen, Texas
Performing preventative vehicle maintenance in Killeen, Texas, ensures your vehicle remains as reliable as possible throughout the year. We recommend scheduling regular checkups with us here at Phil's Service to prevent the potential of untimely and costly repairs in the future.
We can offer expert advice on anything we find and a maintenance solution that fits your specific needs. So, request an appointment to learn how we can help you keep your car in optimal condition all year round.
