Auto maintenance can often be overlooked, but ensure you regularly check your vehicle’s filters and fluids. Regular filters & fluids service keeps your car running smoothly, extends your vehicle’s life, and avoids more costly repairs. Let’s examine why standard filters & fluids servicing is vital for your vehicle.
The Importance of Filters
Your car has several different filters that need to be serviced periodically. Engine air filters capture dust and debris from the air before they reach the engine, while oil filters remove contaminants from the motor oil circulating through your engine. Cabin air filters clean the air in your passenger compartment, avoiding pollen, dust, and other impurities that could cause allergies or breathing problems. Finally, fuel filters keep dirt particles from clogging up your fuel system, which prevents stalling or lack of power when you press the accelerator pedal. All these filters should be replaced at least once a year to ensure optimal vehicle performance.
The Importance of Fluids
Keeping up with fluid service is just as important as changing out filters in preventing major auto repair issues. For example, motor oil lubricates moving parts in the engine and cools them; eventually, it loses its viscosity (thickness), causing friction between metal components, overheating, and severely damaging your engine if left unchecked. Therefore, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, coolant/antifreeze, and power steering fluid must be checked regularly. Most mechanics recommend draining out old fluids at least every 30k miles or two years, depending on usage, and replacing them with fresh fluids per manufacturer specifications.