YOUR PREVENTATIVE AUTO MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By: Mavis Tire Team

Last Updated: 06/12/2024

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

While it might seem like a hassle or an expensive car care strategy, preventative maintenance has many benefits for both you and your vehicle. So, what exactly is preventative maintenance, you ask? It's simple, really. Preventative auto maintenance is regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures down the road and costly auto repair bills. When used together with your regular auto service, you'll reap many rewards. Please see below for a summary of the benefits on preventative auto maintenance:


You save money in the long run.

While you spend some money upfront, the fact is, when you take preventative measures on your vehicle, you're actually saving money. When you take the right steps to maintain your vehicle, you won't have to worry about costly repairs to your transmission and engine, and other elements of your vehicle.

But the monetary rewards don't end there. Additionally, when it comes time to trade in your vehicle, it'll be worth much more. This is because preventative maintenance reduces the decline of your vehicle.


The car drives better.

Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in his or her vehicle. When you take these preventative measures, you reduce the chance of a mechanical malfunction and you optimize the vehicle's performance.


Your vehicle lasts longer.

While some people may want to trade in their vehicle after several years, others want to drive it until they no longer can. Well, if you're one of those people, we have good news for you!

When you perform preventative maintenance along with regular maintenance on your vehicle, you save money and drive a more reliable car.


What Preventative Maintenance Should You Do?
  • Regular oil changes - Passenger cars and light trucks should receive an oil change every 3,000 miles. Due to new Oil technology like Synthetic and Synthetic Blend Oil check your owner's manual or consult your Mavis professional for the Oil change interval for your specific vehicle. These new types of oil have better lubricating properties which don’t break down as quickly as natural oil resulting in longer gaps between oil changes. You should always have your oil filter changed at the same time you have your oil changed. An oil filter does just what the name says. Your engine oil passes through the Oil filter continuously trapping dangerous sludge and debris that can cause damage to your engine. Replacing the filter every oil change will keep your engine running for years to come. 

  • Brake system - Your brakes should be inspected once you hit the 30,000 mile mark. And they should be inspected every time your vehicle is in for service thereafter and of course, whenever you have symptoms that may indicate your brakes need to be inspected.

  • Tires - It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated every 5000 to 8000 miles and/or per the manufacturer's recommendation. Also, be sure to inspect them to ensure they are properly inflated at all times. As your vehicle ages and your suspension starts to wear, vehicle alignment should be checked every 6 months. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure really applies with tire maintenance. It’s much better to take care of the tires to realize the long mileage the manufacturer designed into the tires, than replace them prematurely because proper maintenance wasn’t followed. 

  • Fluids - Your fluids always need attention and should be inspected and exchanged regularly, as well as inspected for leaks and issues. This includes power steering and brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. Just like your oil changes, fluids lubricate and they do break down over time. Timely fluid maintenance will prolong component life saving you significant money over your vehicle's life. 

  • Filters - Go above and beyond the owner's manual when it comes to inspecting your filters. Dirty air filters increase fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. When you live in especially dusty areas they will need to be replaced more often. There is a new filter that is as much for you as the driver as any of the other filters in your vehicle. It’s called a cabin filter.  A cabin filter filters the air coming into the passenger compartment “cabin”. It’s the air you breathe and smell. Have your Cabin filter checked regularly to keep YOUR air clean, free of dust, allergens and smelling good. In order to keep your car in the best condition, be sure to check the air filters monthly and fuel filters annually.


When you practice preventative auto maintenance, you will see a difference in your vehicle's performance.


Whether your vehicle is in need of preventative maintenance, a regular tune-up, or a repair, turn to the professional, honest, and quality service at your local Mavis.   

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