There are many reasons for keeping up to date on your vehicle maintenance.  In this article we will cover a few of the important reasons.  To begin with it improves your performance, keeps you safe, saves you money plus many other reasons. And not any specific order.

Oil

By changing your oil on a regular basis. (Most places recommend 3,000 miles or 3 months/newer vehicles are recommending 5,000 miles.  However, referring to your owner’s manual is the best recommendation.) It improves the longevity of your motor and assists in your gas mileage.  Which in turn assists in fighting Global warming.  It also helps you find issues before they cause major problems, along with making your vehicle last longer.  When you keep detailed records of your maintenance it improves the resale value of your vehicle.   Doing your routine maintenance is a lot like you going to the Doctor for routine check ups.

Tires

Next, on your list, you want to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Rotated on a consistent basis for even tread wear. And having your wheels aligned.  Again this is going to give you better gas mileage. And keep you, your family and others on the road safe.

Battery

Third item that needs your attention, batteries need to be maintained as well.  Regular testing can ensure that your battery starts your vehicle in any condition.  Regular care can go a long way towards the life of your battery and vehicle performance.

Brakes

Fourth item, it’s obvious when there are brake issues. As in when you’re in traffic and the squeal of the brakes is louder than your music.  Proper maintenance and care of the brakes and braking system are important for your vehicle’s safe operation.

Filters

Next let’s discuss filters. It’s recommended that your air filter is changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or 12 months. But as always you want to refer to your owner’s manual.  It also depends on your driving conditions and how much dirt gets sucked into the filter.  If the filter gets clogged, the engine works harder and becomes less efficient. Which can lead to loss of power and acceleration, poorer gas mileage and overall engine wear. Besides an underperforming car. These effects can add to your running costs. And can even land you with a costly repair bill if your engine is badly damaged.

Belts

Drive belts are also a regular vehicle maintenance item. Loud squeals, poor battery charging, and even overheating. Are all symptoms that should lead you to investigate the drive belts on your engine and potentially replace them.

Wipers

It might sound silly but you also need to keep your windshield wipers in good condition.  When wipers no longer clear your window while they are running, you want to replace them.    

In closing, it might feel like it’s a waste of time and money to do routine maintenance. However, in the long run. You very well could be saving yourself from being stuck on the side of the road. When your vehicle breaks down on the way to work for example.

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Sources: AAA Northwest, The Car Doctor, USA Today, Brake Masters, Car Gurus, USAA, Auto Batteries, Advanced Auto Care, Road Loans and LifeHacker