Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs
Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is the process of replacing parts or fluids on a routine basis (after a certain number of miles) or a set schedule (replace your windshield wipers every two years at least, regardless of the miles).
In addition to simply replacing parts, your vehicle should be inspected for wear and tear on a schedule that is determined by the people that made your vehicle. They are incredibly complex machines and certain parts wear out faster than others.
By performing routine vehicle maintenance and inspections, you can find parts that might be near the end of their useful life and replace them. It is usually cheaper to replace a part before it has failed. It is always safer, and more convenient to change during the inspection as well!
Repairs
Repairs are the removal and replacement of parts once they have failed. It is often difficult or impossible to know when a part might fail. An automotive battery might indicate that it is failing by your starter taking a few extra seconds to start your vehicle in the morning. A power steering pump might simply blow a hose and leave you instantly without power steering.
Commonly missed items
Shocks/Struts
Many people think of struts or shocks as a comfort item which couldn’t be further from the truth.
While they do make your ride more comfortable, their main function is to keep the tire on the ground. A worn-out shock or strut will allow the tire to hop off the ground when it hits a bump. A tire that is spending half its time in the air (yes, really) will not be able to stop. Your brakes can’t stop you when the tire is momentarily off the ground!
The next time you are a passenger, watch the other vehicles near you. Find an older car and watch the tires. On a car with worn-out shocks or struts, you will notice the tire hopping off the ground rapidly.
Even though this is a dangerous situation, your vehicle will not usually let you know this is happening. We can schedule a time to inspect your vehicle for this problem.
Brakes
Brakes either work or they don’t, right?
That couldn’t be further from the truth. As parts wear out, your stopping distance can increase. This happens gradually. So slowly that you don’t notice your vehicle taking much longer to stop than it originally did. Many moving parts can wear out as you put more miles on your vehicle
Don’t forget the parts that don’t move! Even the steel brake lines can show signs of age. Old brake fluid absorbs moisture and and causes rust from the inside out. If you have a brake line that is rusted, a sudden push of the brake pedal can cause a line to burst and leave you with reduced braking ability at a very bad time.
Steering components
Have you noticed that your vehicle wanders in the lane as you drive? This is an indication that your steering components are worn and need to be serviced or replaced. This is not only a safety issue but a “quality of life” issue as well. If you are constantly steering to keep your vehicle in the lane, you will arrive at your destination tired and worn out. Our vehicle maintenance inspection will locate worn components before they become a safety issue for you or your family.
How often should my vehicle be inspected?
There is no universal number but your vehicle came with an owner’s manual and the schedule or schedules (light-duty or harsh conditions) are listed in that manual.
How long will my vehicle maintenance inspection take?
This inspection can last from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of your vehicle and the items that the manufacturer has outlined in the routine inspection.