Visit Your Mechanic in Louisville, KY for Routine Auto Maintenance

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Douglas Addington

Keeping your car in good operating condition—perhaps even ensuring that the vehicle lasts for well over 100,000 miles—is not difficult with proper routine maintenance. The majority of cars that break down on the roadside or have severe engine problems have likely been neglected by their owners.

Most people simply forget to have routine maintenance carried out. Instead of forgetting your routine maintenance, allow a mechanic in Louisville, KY to help you follow scheduled maintenance. This ensures everything is done correctly and nothing is missed. Here are just a few important scheduled maintenance tasks that you should remember:

• Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles: Routinely changing the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 7,000 miles will keep the inside of your engine in good condition. Bad oil breaks down internal engine components and severely shortens the life of your vehicle. During the oil change, your mechanic in Louisville, KY should also inspect all of the other fluids—including transmission, power steering, and brake fluids—as well as check the condition of the tires. Oil changes are fast, inexpensive and the best thing you can do to keep your car in good running condition.
• Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles: Every 15,000 miles, the air filter should be checked, and in most cases, replaced. Between 15,000 and 30,000 miles it is also a good idea to have a battery inspection conducted, especially if you want your car to start on a cold morning. A mechanic in Louisville, KY should also conduct a coolant system inspection, which includes checking the coolant, lines, hoses and radiator. At 30,000 miles, it is also a good idea to have a full brake system inspection and to replace any parts, such as the brake pads, which need replacing.
• Every 35,000 to 50,000 miles: The ignition system should be the focus every 35,000 to 50,000 miles. Definitely have the spark plugs replaced, and consider changing the spark plug wires as well. Have the entire ignition system inspected, along with the alternator, to ensure proper operation. Some mechanics will also suggest changing out the fuel filter and replacing certain vehicle fluids.
• Every 60,000 miles: The most important maintenance your mechanic can do at 60,000 miles is replacing the timing belt. Along with the timing belt, the water pump and several other belts will likely need to be replaced. While not cheap, a timing belt problem can destroy the entire engine, so it is definitely recommended you consider having this checked.

Remember that these scheduled maintenance recommendations are just a framework to consider following. Even more important is finding a mechanic you trust who can help you carry out scheduled maintenance for your particular car. By doing so, you can follow their exact recommendations and can trust that your mechanic is looking out for your best interest when they suggest something needs to be done for your vehicle. If nothing else, remember to stick with a good mechanic and to not forget basic scheduled maintenance. Call St. Matthews Imports – Auto Repair & Service to get started on your routine maintenance today.