Are you following your auto maintenance schedule?
We provide expert “A” and “B” services for most imports and domestic cars and trucks.
Much like physicals are for human beings, a preventive maintenance appointment for your vehicle might seem to be a nuisance or technicality. But in both cases, preventative maintenance can directly influence health and lifespan.
Unfortunately, while people are not covered by their maker with warranties, vehicles are. And the manufacturer of your vehicle stipulates that not following the required maintenance plan could impact that vehicle’s warranty.
Some manufacturers — particularly makers of high-end luxury vehicles — break preventive maintenance into “A” (minor) and “B” (major) service points.
The automotive experts at Quality Auto, Truck & Tire can quickly yet thoroughly handle both A and B maintenance requirements. We will also alert you during other bay appointments if they discover you have a preventive maintenance date approaching based on your odometer reading.
To help you understand what is due based on time or mileage, here is a general automotive (car and truck) preventive maintenance checklist:
| Months/Mileage | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly or Monthly | Required: No Recommended: oil level, coolant level, wipers, wiper fluid, power steering fluid level, brake fluid level, tire pressure, tire wear | While manufacturers do not require these checklist items, you will be safer (especially on long trips) if you follow these recommendations. |
| Every 3-4 Months or 4,000 Miles | Required: oil change Recommended: battery/charging system, cooling system, transmission, differential, steering, suspension, exhaust system (for rust), wipers | The first oil change on a new car is especially important, because small metal slivers can enter the system as the vehicle “breaks in,” and these need to be removed. |
| Every 6 Months or 6,000 Miles | Required: wheel alignment, tire rotation & balance Recommended: brakes, brake fluid level, tires | The constant pounding and wear that your breaks and tires endure require you to remain vigilant about their condition — for the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road. |
| Every 1-2 Years or 30,000 Miles (Again at 60,000 Miles) | Required: coolant flush, transmission flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid flush Recommended: exhaust system, tires | The fluids in your vehicle’s primary systems have by now neared the end of their effectiveness. Debris and weakened fluids must be replaced with clean, vital fluids for the health of the mechanical systems. |
| Every 5 Years or 50,000 Miles (Again at 100,000 Miles) | Required: belts, hoses, timing belt Recommended tires | Assuming that you keep to the checklists above, your vehicle should not require extensive work — even at the 100,000 marker. Between better manufacturing and this maintenance schedule, your vehicle may well reach the 200,000 mark or more! |
You should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific details regarding your car or truck.
Whether you own a car or truck, please give us a call to schedule your next preventive maintenance appointment. We understand the impulse to put off non-emergency bay work — but we recommend you weigh the risks of delay, which include:
- voided warranties
- increased avoidable mechanical failures and costs as a result of past negligence
- reduced vehicle performance and lifespan
As with routine human physicals, a little effort and expense today can ward off significant issues and costs tomorrow. So call us now at (908) 281-0202 to schedule your vehicle’s next preventive maintenance check-up!
