Maintenance ≤ Auto Repair Mechanic Phoenix AZ

How to Reduce Common Car Repair Costs?

One of the first things that come to our minds when faced with car repairs is the cost factor. You immediately think of what a car repair is going to cost you.

But here’s the thing – most people don’t realize that most high cost car repairs can be easily avoided if they ensure regular car maintenance and practice good driving habits.

Of course, if you have a reliable and superlative car repair service, it can be an added bonus.

Coming back to the question of how to avoid high-cost car repairs, here are five areas of focus that can not only help reduce your car repairs costs but can actually help you avoid a number of common car troubles.

Tip # 1 – Take your Car for Routine Maintenance

Most car owners don’t realize how much harm they are doing to their cars when they miss or ignore regular car maintenance.

When you take your car for professional car maintenance, your car technician performs a number of checks, repairs, and if necessary, part replacement(s) so your car is in top condition.
So not only does this help address any current car repairs or issues, but it can also help you avoid potential car problems in the future.
Regular maintenance is useful for another important reason – routine checks, repairs, and preventive maintenance can help in slowing down wear and tear of the different mechanical parts.
Thus, your car’s operational efficiency goes up which means better fuel efficiency, better car performance, and improved longevity.

Tip # 2 – Take the Warning Lights on your Dashboard Seriously

Ignoring warning lights on the car dashboard is a common but extremely harmful action that several car owners are guilty of.

If you find the warning lights come on, check your car manual to find out what problem the light is indicating towards.

If you are unsure, please consult with a professional car technician at the earliest. Your car technician will identify the exact cause and then go ahead and fix the issue.

A word of advice – if you see the “check engine” light flash, and you are unable to identify the exact fault, have it checked by a professional car technician. Car engine repairs are some of the most costly car repairs – you can easily avoid substantial repair costs by acting on the issue in a timely manner.

On top of this – you certainly don’t want to have car failure when you are out on the road during a Phoenix summer.

Tip # 3 – Take Care of Your Car Battery

Routine battery checks are important as they help in identifying and addressing both current and future trouble. Your car technician will carry out a complete battery check when you take your car for routine maintenance.

If your car or the battery has crossed three years, we advise regular checkups – this will help in ensuring long car battery life and fewer battery problems.

Tip # 4 – Check Car Fluid Levels Regularly

Five fluids levels you need to regularly check include – engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolants.

Over a period of time these fluids can become contaminated from all the debris build-up leading to a number of car troubles.

Ensure your car fluid levels are as per what is recommended in your driver’s manual. If the fluids levels are low, top them up. Or if required, flush the fluids and replace with fresh fluids.

When you take your car for professional maintenance, your car technician will check the fluid levels, clean the parts, and then refill or top up the fluid levels.

Tip # 5 – The Importance of Safe Driving

Hitting bumps and potholes at high speeds can inflict a lot of damage on your car. If you drive on bad roads or in bad weather conditions or if you are in the habit of continuously speeding and braking, it can take a toll on your car performance.

These actions can place a lot of stress on different car parts and lead to faster wear and tear.

As a result, you might end up having to replace parts far more frequently – you could be looking at repairs to your suspension, tire damage, wheel alignment, or steering wheel issues.

By practicing safe driving, you can easily avoid these damages and repairs.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

If you are looking for professional and credible car repair service for your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online.

Why does my car sputter on acceleration?

Does your car sputter when you step on the accelerator? If yes, it could be because you are low on gas.

However, if your tanks are full, then it could indicate a different kind of car trouble starting from either the fuel system in your car or a faulty exhaust or even worn out parts.

It is important to note that the problem will not self-correct over a period. If left unaddressed, it can lead to expensive repair costs which are not appealing even in the age of lower taxes.

Why does my car sputter on acceleration?

Here are five of the most common reasons why your car sputters when you accelerate.

1. Failing Catalytic Converter

If your car has a faulty or a failing catalytic converter, the engine will sputter or run rough.

When the catalytic converter is faulty, its ability to burn hydrocarbons within the exhaust get hampered which means the breakdown of sulfur produced by the engine will no longer happen.
For this reason, you may get a smell akin to rotten eggs if the catalytic converter is failing.
Another symptom that your catalytic converter is failing is when your dashboard lights up with the “check engine light.”
If the catalytic converter gets completely blocked, the car will not start.

2. Dirty Fuel Injectors

The job of the fuel injectors is to supply the cylinders with required fuel which mixes with the air and ignites. This ignition is necessary to power up the engine.
However, over a period, the fuel injector nozzle can get blocked leading to the engine sputtering when you accelerate.
Timely cleaning of the fuel injectors can prevent any kind of clogging. If, however, the fuel injectors are not routinely cleaned, they can get damaged and will need to be replaced.

3. Dirty Spark Plugs

If the spark plugs which help the fuel ignite within the combustion chamber are damaged or dirty, they will not be able to ignite the fuel.

When this happens, the engine will sputter, or you may experience a misfire. At this point, the spark plugs will have to be cleaned or replaced based on the level of damage and you don’t want to be doing this on the side of the road in a Phoenix summer.

4. Faulty Oxygen Sensors

The job of oxygen sensors is to keep a track of exhaust gases for how rich or lean they are at the point of leaving the combustion chamber.
This information is then passed on to the computer which then makes the necessary adjustments to the quantity of fuel inside the engine.
If your oxygen sensors are damaged or dirty, they will not be able to pass on this critical information to the car’s computer which means the computer will not be able to adjust the fuel entering the engine leading to the engine sputtering.
If you take your car for routine maintenance, your car technician will ensure they are replaced as and when required.

5. Leakage in the Exhaust Manifold

If your exhaust manifold which is responsible for collecting the exhaust gases springs a leak, you may experience your car engine sputtering upon acceleration.
Your engine will also become very noisy and its overall performance will drop.
The danger of a leak in the exhaust manifold is that the hot gases can damage the surrounding car parts, or the exhaust fumes could also enter the cabin of the car.
One of the first signs to watch out for is the “check engine light” flashing on your dashboard.

Notify a Professional

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to have your car checked up by a professional car technician at the earliest.

Keep in mind that the sputtering will not go away; in most cases, if the engine sputters on acceleration, it could be symptomatic of a wide variety of serious car troubles.

If you ignore the problem, over a period, your car will suffer from dropping engine performance and eventually not start at all.

Routine maintenance can help address most of the car troubles that you face. During a service visit, your car technician will carry out a complete checkup of all car parts and make necessary repairs or replace the parts as and when needed.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Does your car sputter upon acceleration? Are you facing any of the above-mentioned warning signs?

If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for a speedy resolution to all your car troubles. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online as per your convenience.

Extend Your Car Battery Life With These Top 6 Tips

In our previous post, we spoke about four major reasons behind why your car battery drains. In this post, we are going to cover six ways to extend and preserve the lifecycle of your car battery.

The ignition system is responsible for starting the car engine. However, it is the car battery that is responsible for generating an electrical charge. In turn, this charge helps to power up the ignition of your car.

Therefore, it is so important to not only maintain but to also ensure that your car has a functioning and charged up battery.

6 Ways to Keep Your Car Battery Running Long

Most car batteries come with a shelf life of 2-5 years. However, several factors can influence the lifecycle of your car battery.

These include the climate, how often you service your car, how often you test your battery and usage of other electronics while the car is idling, or even extended periods of idling. If the lights of your car are left on overnight, it could completely drain your car battery. A faulty alternator or electrical fault could also lead to your car battery draining.

To get the best mileage out of your car battery, consider the following.

1. Allow the Battery to Charge Completely

One of the most effective ways of ensuring your car battery is completely charged is by running your car for long periods.

Driving short distances limits the charging process of the battery.
The frequency also matters, so make sure you drive your car regularly.
If left idle for long periods of time, the car battery will drain.
If you are unable to drive around for long periods or long distances, invest in a portable battery which can help you jump start your car anytime the car battery dies.

2. Ensure the Battery is Fastened and Secure

If your car battery is not tightly secured in place, it will end up vibrating which could lead to short circuits or internal damage. If you drive frequently on uneven roads, be sure to check your battery terminals to ensure it is sitting securely in the mounting rack.

If you are not sure how to do this or are not confident about checking this, consult with a professional mechanic.
Regular servicing is the best way to make sure all the components and parts are in place and secure.

3. Never Forget to Turn Off the Lights

As mentioned above, if you leave the car lights on overnight, you will wake up to a dead battery!

Here are few things you can do to avoid this:

Make it a habit to check your car lights before exiting your vehicle.
Make sure the doors and the trunk are closed firmly.
If you are forgetful, consider placing stickers or post-it’s on your car remote or dashboard reminding yourself to check the lights. (Though, most new cars will not allow the lights to remain on for this very reason.)
Park your car in relative darkness, so you can see if the lights are still on inside the car or park it in a direction where you are required to walk past the front of your car while going inside your house.

4. Limit Corrosion

Cleaning the battery terminals is crucial if you want to avoid corrosion. You can follow these DIY tips to clean the battery terminals.

Make a mix of water and baking soda, dip a tooth brush in the mix and scrub the terminals.
Spray clean the mix with clean cold water.
Wipe and dry the terminals with a clean cloth.

If, however, you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a mechanic can always help you out.

5. Test your Car Battery on a Routine Basis

Unless you know the condition of your battery, it will be difficult to maximize its life cycle.

You can use a car battery tester to check the output voltage level of your car battery.
This way you will know if the condition of your battery is still good, or if it is time to replace the battery.

6. Reduce or Limit use of Electrical Accessories

The air conditioners, radio, phone charge, CD players, and USB ports are all battery drainers.

Only use essential electrical accessories such as the car air conditioner.
Try not to overburden the battery by using too many electrical components at one time.
Turn off any of these components (like the air conditioners or radio) when the engine is not running.

Proper Maintenance is Key

Battery care and maintenance is a crucial aspect of taking care of your car. Although the battery is a vital component of the car, if there are issues with other components such as the electrical systems, it will eventually impact the performance of your car.

While keeping your car battery charged, it is important that you carry out routine servicing for your entire car. This is one of the best ways of extending the lifecycle of your car battery.

Professional Auto Care that you can Trust!

Is your car battery draining too quickly? Wondering if it is time to replace your car battery? We can help you. Call Virginia Auto Service today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

5 Strange Noises Your Car Makes, And What They Mean

Did you know that, if you listen, your vehicle can tell you quite a bit? Your car will often communicate to you that it has a problem in the form of squeals, rattles, and knocks. You drive your vehicle the most and you know the sounds it usually makes, so when you hear something new, pay attention. These vehicle grumbles are often the first sign that something is going wrong.

This is a list of five strange noises your vehicle may make, and what could be causing them:

Squealing

Often, a squealing heard coming from under the hood of your vehicle that fluctuates based on speed, indicates a loose belt or two. When loose or showing signs of wear, power steering belts will make a shrill squealing noise. Fan and air conditioning belts will make a similar sound. If you hear a loud squealing, you should have your belts inspected right away. A power steering belt can be both dangerous and create serious damage if it breaks while you are driving.

Screeching

If you hear a high-pitched screeching noise when you attempt to stop your vehicle, it means that it is time to have your brakes inspected. Brake pads are made with indicators on them that create the screeching noise when the pads are worn down too low and need replacing. If you pay attention to this noise as soon as it begins to present itself, the only thing you will have to change is the brake pads. If you delay, you will increase your chances of causing further damage to the vehicle resulting in more expensive repairs.

Rumbling

If you are hearing low and rhythmic rumbling noises, it indicates that there is a problem with the exhaust system or either of the drive line components. If it is a problem with the exhaust system it could be coming from the converter, exhaust pipe, or muffler. Each of these could become a serious problem and you should not delay in bringing your vehicle in for repairs.

Knocking

If you hear a recurring knocking or pounding sound, it may mean that there is a problem with your vehicles connecting rod bearings, crankshaft, or transmission. Each of these could be a serious threat to the safety and performance of your vehicle and needs to be taken care of right away.

Clicking

A clicking sound can indicate a few different things. It might mean that there is a bent or loose fan blade, or that you have a loose wheel cover. It could also indicate that your oil levels are low or one of your valve lifters is stuck. These problems can become serious if not remedied in a timely manner, so if your vehicle is clicking, bring it in as soon as you can.

If you pay attention to the noises your car is making and have them taken care of in a timely manner, you will keep your vehicle running in peak condition, prevent further damage and more expensive repairs, and prolong your vehicle’s road life. So, the next time your vehicle speaks to you, listen closely to what it has to say.

If you are hearing any of the noises listed above, bring your vehicle into the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Fuel Pump

Your vehicle is made of many components that work together to keep it running smoothly. One such component is the fuel pump.

Most people are aware of the existence of the fuel pump, but they don’t give it much thought. However, as the fuel pump plays an important part in ensuring your vehicle operates efficiently, it should not be ignored.

What is the purpose of the fuel pump?

As you know, your engine is on the opposite side of your vehicle than your fuel tank. The fuel pump, which is located either next to or inside of the gas tank, is meant to bring fuel to the engine of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electrical fuel pump which transfers a continuous stream of fuel at the correct pressure and volume from its fuel tank to the fuel injection on its engine. This is what allows the engine to perform properly under various driving conditions and degrees of fuel consumption. If your fuel pump is properly cared for, it can last for the life of your vehicle.

How can you take care of your fuel pump?

As we stated above, your fuel pump is likely to last for the life of your vehicle, so long as it is properly cared for. But how do you take care of a fuel pump? The answer is actually very simple- keep your car fueled up. It is recommended that you never let your fuel level drop lower than a quarter of a tank. The fuel that is in the tank helps to keep the fuel pump cool. If your tank is allowed to get to empty, the fuel pump can overheat. If you continuously allow the tank to get too low the fuel pump will eventually wear out.

Another way to help maintain your fuel pump is to change your fuel filter, which is located in the fuel line, as recommended. You can find specifics on your vehicle in your owner’s manual, but a general recommendation is around every 50,000 miles. The fuel filter helps clean the fuel that goes to the injectors. The less dirt and debris that collects and builds up on your fuel pump, the longer it will last.

How can you tell there is something wrong with the fuel pump?

There are a few things that indicate there may be a problem with your fuel pump including:

A noise coming from the pump area
Long engine crank before starting
Lack of power
Stalling
Vehicle fails to start regardless of the motor turning over

Unfortunately, in some cases, there may not be any warning signs. However, if you are performing regular maintenance and keeping your gas tank filled past a quarter of a tank, you shouldn’t have any problems with the fuel pump.

If you are noticing any of the above complications with your vehicle or to schedule regular maintenance, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

What to Do If You Have a Radiator Leak

Most people are guilty of putting off auto repair at one point or another. For some issues, this may be okay for a short time. For others, you never want to delay repair. One such item of repair that you never want to delay would be a leaking radiator.

Your radiator is a key component in your vehicle’s cooling system, which means it helps to keep the engine running cool. If a leaking radiator is not repaired quickly it could result in your engine overheating- which could mean expensive engine repair or even replacement. Should you at any point notice the temperature gauge rising on your dashboard and/or steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. Even overheating for a short time can result in head gasket damage or possibly even engine failure.

What causes leaking radiators?

In most cases, radiator leaks are a result of failing to regularly maintain the vehicle with things such as coolant flushes- which permit oxidation of the cooling system. Another major cause of radiator leaks is over-pressurization. This occurs when the thermostat sticks, or a head gasket fails.

Most radiator leaks are found at a joint that is between the radiators tank and core. To make vehicle’s more fuel efficient, today they are made with materials like “plastic-based” composites, which means they can crack easier. If the tank is cracked it could be from a blown head gasket which lets highly pressurized exhaust be pushed into the cooling system.

How do you know if you have a radiator leak?

Low coolant levels. When you are performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, take a moment to check to see if your coolant level is sufficient. If you notice lowered levels of coolant, it is possible that you have a leak.
Fluid under the vehicle. If the leak is bad enough, you won’t have to look under the hood to know it’s there. Instead, you will see a pool of yellow/orange, pink, or green fluid under your vehicle.
Increased engine temperature. If your engine temperature rises it is usually a warning sign that you have a radiator leak.

If you think that you have a leak in the radiator it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service can help determine how large your leak is and where it is located.

Should you use radiator sealant?

To use these products is like using a band-aid when you need stitches. They don’t quite get the job done, and we certainly don’t recommend them for long-term use. Not all the glue will make it to the location of the leak and will stick to other places, potentially causing a blockage. If you are going to use them, only do so in the event of an emergency to help you get your vehicle to our mechanics.

Dealing with radiator leaks quickly can prevent further and more expensive damage to your engine. If you experience complications with your vehicle, contact the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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When to Replace Your Water Pump

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your water pump may be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system. When your vehicle is running, your drive belt helps to operate the water pump allowing it to continuously pump water and coolant into your engine. Without a properly working water pump, your vehicle would overheat, which could easily result in expensive engine damage.

Tucked out of sight under the timing belt cover, the water pump is easy to forget about. For this reason, as far as maintenance and repairs go, the water pump will not often cross a vehicle owner’s mind. Water pumps are, thankfully, built to last for quite some time. Depending on what vehicle you have, a water pump should last you between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. (You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your vehicle.) Unfortunately, there may be times when the water pump will stop working early, without notice. Regular maintenance and automotive check-ups can help you spot a failing water pump before it has the chance to do some serious damage.

Signs That it is Time to Replace the Water Pump

There are a few ways you can spot a failing water pump including:

Coolant leaking from your vehicle onto the ground
Coolant leak near the timing belt
Vehicle overheats – or a sudden change in the temperature gauge
The water pump makes a squeaking noise
When you look under the hood, you see coolant -even if it’s just a little bit- dribbling out from the water pump weep hole

Other factors that can affect the functionality of your water pump include a loose shaft and bearings or the pump impellers fail. If the bearings and shaft are loose, when you pull back and forth on the water pump pulley there will be some play, or it may actually move back and forth. If this is happening, then the water pump will be ineffective. If the impellers have failed, the water pump will still pump or spin, but it will stop moving water and coolant through the system.

Water Pump Replacement

As they are located under the timing cover, there is a lot of work involved in replacing a water pump. It is not a simple garage DIY.

Timing belts and water pumps have about the same lifespan. So, if a mechanic needs to change one, they will likely change the other at the same time. With the water pumps placement where it is, this only makes sense. You may not have to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, but it is more cost effective to do so. Changing the water pump is labor-intensive and therefore can be a little expensive. If you have your timing belt replaced then later have to go back in and replace the water pump, you are spending money that could have been saved had you done both at the same time, as you are paying for labor twice.

When you deal with water pump problems quickly, you can prevent any further damage to the cooling system or engine. If you notice any of the signs listed above or experience other complications with your vehicle, please get in touch with the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

5 Things Every Vehicle Owner Should Know

One of the biggest investments a person makes in their life is their vehicle purchase. For drivers old and new, owning a vehicle is a huge responsibility, one that should never be taken lightly. If you are lucky enough to own a vehicle, there are some important things that you should know to remain safe and to keep your investment running in its best condition. Fortunately, the knowledge is not hard to come by.

Here are five things every vehicle owner should know:

Basic Automotive Maintenance

Every vehicle owner should understand how to perform your basic automotive maintenance. This includes being able to check things like the antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, and windshield wiper fluid. You should also learn how to jump-start a vehicle and change a tire in case of emergency. Investing a little time to learn such things can save you time and money later.

How to Read and Use the Owner’s Manual

Vehicle manufacturers know that it is not realistic to expect every driver to know every little thing about their vehicle, so they supply you with a vehicle owner’s manual. This manual provides you with information specific to the needs of your exact vehicle make and model. Never lose your owner’s manual! This manual will let you know what maintenance tasks should be prioritized and provide guidelines on how often maintenance tasks should be performed. It will also tell you what each dashboard light indicates in your vehicle.

Insurance and Registration

To drive in Arizona, you need more than just a valid drivers license. You also need to have your vehicle registered and insured. Once you have done this, you need to keep your information in a safe place in your vehicle in the event you have been pulled over or there was an accident. Keep all the information together in one easy to reach spot, and don’t let it expire.

What to Have in Your Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have an emergency kit in the trunk. A first aid kit, blanket, spare tire, flashlight and jumper cables are all very important, but along with these things, you should include gear that could be important in the climate in which you reside. In the Phoenix area, extra water, sunscreen, and even Chapstick may be some items you want to consider. Always remember, safety first!

A Reliable Mechanic

Read online reviews, and look around until you find a mechanic that will work with you and makes you feel comfortable. One that is honest and direct with you about the state of your vehicle and has the knowledge and technology necessary to take care of your vehicle. If you are near the Phoenix area, we know just the place for you to begin, here with the automotive repair professionals at Virginia Auto Service. At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to seeing you.

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem. If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

The Top 4 Reasons for Preventative Maintenance

Often, vehicles become unreliable or require expensive repairs because they do not receive regular maintenance. Having regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle will keep it running newer for longer. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are the top four reasons for preventative maintenance.

Ease Your Mind

Having regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups allows for you to be certain that your vehicle is running optimally and will get you to all your destinations safely. Avoiding regular maintenance could result in a blown tire in the middle of nowhere, or perhaps an overheating engine on your way to work!

Safe Operation and Reliability

Driving a vehicle can be dangerous, especially if parts are at risk of malfunctioning. Preventative maintenance will make sure that the components of your vehicle are in their best condition and functioning properly. When you skip an oil change or forget to replace vital fluids, mechanical parts of your vehicle will wear out more quickly and require you to have them replaced sooner. Preventative maintenance helps you get the most life out of the mechanics of your vehicle, which means less or no breakdowns.

Serious vehicle trouble, like engine or transmission failure, can also be prevented when regular maintenance is performed. Refer to your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule recommended for your specific vehicle make and model, then follow it closely.

Improve Gas Mileage

Preventative maintenance helps to ensure that your vehicle gets the best gas mileage that it can. Should you fail to have the motor oil and engine air filters replaced on schedule, your gas mileage will be reduced and could cause unnecessary wear on the engine. It is usually recommended that vehicle’s using conventional oil have it changed every 3,000 miles. If the vehicle uses synthetic oil it can go up to 6,000 miles. However, the exact mileage will depend on your exact vehicle, so you should refer to your owner’s manual. Tire care and rotations are also important to gas mileage. Check the inflation of the tires monthly, and have them rotated and balanced ever 10,000-15,000 miles. Another part that affects gas mileage are the spark plugs. Standard copper spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 miles, and iridium plugs every 100,000.

Save Money

If you do not have regular preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle you risk having simple repairs turn into large, expensive problems. Even the simple act of neglecting oil changes could result in engine failure. Replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles and the serpentine belt every 40,000 miles will also help prevent costly engine problems. Putting off, or skipping tire rotations could throw off your alignment, which could end up damaging the suspension and other components. Having the battery inspected and cleaned at each oil change will save you the cost and hassle of being stranded with a dead battery. The list of money-saving benefits of preventative maintenance goes on and on.

Regular maintenance will help guarantee that your vehicle is performing optimally. For further information on how preventative maintenance can benefit you, please contact our experienced mechanics today. Virginia Auto Service is here to help you with your preventative maintenance needs. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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