It’s Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong, will go wrong.
And among its many truths, the adage can apply to car maintenance too. If you don’t take care of your car and maintain a tune-up schedule, your car is likely to refuse to start up at some point.
No one has time to be stranded on the side of a busy Ohio highway, or even stuck in the driveway with a dead battery before a busy day of work. Car tune-ups are all in the name of preventative auto maintenance, and if you schedule them regularly, you should be able to catch small problems before they turn into larger ones.
Car ownership in general can be a costly experience. Why add unnecessary money to the pot?
According to Consumer Reports, car maintenance and repairs can skyrocket once your warranty or the initial free-maintenance period expires.
And as your car increases in mileage, it can directly affect your pocketbook. From standard oil changes to brake pads replacement and from new spark plugs to new timing belts, your vehicle will need increased attention.
For instance, a study by Popular Mechanics found that a car with 25,000 to 30,000 miles has only a 10% chance of needing new spark plugs. But that number jumps to 25% once your car has between 100,000 and 105,000 miles.
Other problems can also rear their heads as your car hits its mileage milestones, but those issues are less likely if you’ve maintained your car with tune-ups.
Still not convinced you should take care of business as it relates to your car? Here are six reasons why all Clevelanders should get a regular car tune-up:
If you proactively take care of any potential problems with your vehicle, it’s proven that you’ll save money in the long run. Whether that means getting your regularly scheduled oil change on time or balancing your tires, your car’s engine is sure to run more smoothly and its alignment will be set to stay the course. Would you rather pay a small amount now or a large amount later? It’s up to you.
When you’re busy shuttling kids to hockey practice or dance, you don’t have time for road hazards. And your car is surely set to become one if you don’t follow a regular tune-up schedule. That’s why you can avoid issues — whether they’re with your battery, spark plugs or air filter — by properly maintaining your car. Now, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t be stranded, but it definitely reduces the risk.
Sometimes, a simple fix is all your car needs to thrive. For instance, changing your car’s air filter means that it can regularly catch debris from getting into the engine. Conversely, if you don’t get your filter changed, the engine may run “rougher,” and fuel will be wasted. It’s similar to a doctor’s visit — knowing when to change your car's air filter is key to avoiding an emergency room visit later.
Racking up the miles with a long Ohio commute, road trips or even lots of short trips, can wreak havoc on your car. It can also do so on your wallet — that’s if you don’t get your car adequately maintained. The more you stick to a tune-up schedule, the better gas mileage your car will get. This is especially true for high-mileage cars, as gas mileage tends to decrease the older (or the more miles) the car gets.
No one likes to deal with a tire blowout or an overheated engine — that’s a no-brainer. But Cleveland, Oh weather often means cold, inclement conditions, and your tires will thank you if you have a second set of eyes watching out for them. Icy weather makes for poor traction — even with the best treaded tires — so make sure to watch out on your tires’ behalf. It’s not only good for you and your car; it’s the right thing to do for your fellow Clevelanders.
If you don’t take care of routine maintenance, your car will show wear sooner. Simple maintenance appointments such as oil changes or checking your car’s belts will mean that your vehicle should be in it for the long haul. (It’s also a boost for the vehicle’s resale value.) Put simply, take care of your car, and it will take care of you. Don't forget to bring an oil change coupon with you!
Want a personalized assessment on the state of your car? Visit one of our six mechanics in Cleveland, Ohio today for a free estimate! We have mechanics located on Broadway Avenue, West 130th Street, and even an auto shop in Maple Heights.