How Often Should You Bring Your Car In for Service?
The mileage you put on your vehicle annually naturally wears down key components. Keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance ensures safe, lasting use, even if you’re not experiencing car troubles. However, conflicting information can make planning for automotive care frustrating. Find out how often you should bring your car in for service with this straightforward advice from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts vehicle maintenance team.
Factory-Recommended Vehicle Maintenance
The forgotten owner’s manual currently stored in your glovebox offers the best vehicle maintenance schedule for your car. This information typically covers only a small section. Created by the manufacturer that designed and built your vehicle, it gives a precise list of what auto maintenance tasks need to be done and when.
In-Vehicle Service Light Reminders
Newer cars and trucks typically provide in-vehicle service reminder lights and notifications for common maintenance services. These systems take into account mileage and operating conditions, indicating when it’s time for common auto maintenance services and system inspections. You can rely on these systems in most cases, except when you don’t put many miles on your car. In this case, we recommend relying on calendar-based maintenance to ensure adequate care.
Calendar and Mileage-Based Auto Maintenance
Older vehicles without in-vehicle service reminder technology, infrequently driven automobiles, and vehicles driven under extreme operating conditions may require calendar or mileage-based service. We frequently service these classics and workhorses at our Yakima auto repair shop. For these vehicles, we recommend care based on usage conditions:
‘Normal use’ vehicles
Under normal operating conditions, we recommend a full service inspection every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, to keep your car operating at its best and prevent hidden issues from causing more expensive repairs.
‘Severe use’ vehicles
We recommend a full service inspection every six months or 6,000 miles for cars and trucks in extreme operating conditions. These include vehicles that frequently tow or carry heavy loads, drive in stop-and-go traffic, make short trips under five miles, and operate in hot, cold, or dusty climate conditions.
RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts Offer Comprehensive Vehicle Maintenance Services
We service gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles of all ages, makes, and models. Our experienced, ASE-certified Yakima Valley auto mechanics can handle all your maintenance needs, including:
Get Fast, Affordable Automotive Maintenance
Now that you know how often to bring your car in for service, ensure safe, reliable vehicle use and optimal performance with regular care from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts. Call 509-453-8170 to make an appointment for your Yakima, Union Gap, Selah, Naches, Gleed, West Valley, or East Valley personal or commercial vehicle today.