Mandatory Maintenance: Brake Repair, Oil Changes, and Tune-Ups

Most people don’t have the time, resolve, or education to fix or improve their vehicles, but that is no excuse to avoid some basic maintenance routines. Whether you go to a professional or learn how to do it yourself, brake repair, oil changes, and tune-ups are the bare minimum required to keep your car running well for several years.

Brake Repair
No safety feature is more important than a vehicle’s brake system. There are several warning signs that indicate the need for a check-up, including screeching when applying pressure on the pedal, resistance, a springy feel, or a noticeable hesitation when decelerating. A lack of these signs, however, does not necessarily mean that everything is running normally. Brake pads generally require replacement every 60,000 miles, but this can vary greatly depending on driving conditions, the vehicle model, and the pads themselves. Even if you are a light driver, you should have a minimum check every year to ensure everything is in proper working condition. If you’re ambitious, you can try some basic brake repair on your own, but this is often easier left to the pros.

Oil Changes
Every three months or 3,000 miles is the recommendation for oil changes by most mechanics. Many people find this excessive or a waste of time. It can also be frustrating to have shops continually try to up-sell you or try to convince you that your car is in desperate need of a useless service. To save money but keep your car well-maintained, consult your owner’s manual. Many cars don’t actually need oil changes until they hit 5,000 or even 10,000 miles. Learning how to change the oil yourself can also save you a bundle. However, not all basic service shops are trying to rip you off. While you can save some cash, there are many honest mechanics who will alert you to potential problems. Taking your car in for a full oil change once or twice a year is sufficient if you do basic changes in-between visits.

Tune-Ups
Few people bother to take their car into the shop for regular tune-ups, unless that is, their dreaded check engine light comes on. If your light does come on, then don’t delay and take it in, but that doesn’t mean you should wait for it. Everyone has a different opinion on when a car needs an overall inspection, but a good rule of thumb is whenever you notice an unusual noise or experience any abnormalities while driving, have someone take a look underneath the hood. Before going on a long trip—get it checked. Every 60,000 miles or so, bring it in. Hoses and belts will wear out, spark plugs will need to be replaced, and any other number of things might need repairing. Waiting can end up costing you ten times as much, or you can end up stranded on the side of the road. If you can’t afford to take your car in regularly, due yourself a favor and learn some basics so you can check it on your own.