Identifying Auto Service

Cars, trucks, and SUVs depend on basic vehicle maintenance to keep them running correctly, and while most people remember to check the oil from time to time, some other things also need attention. Preventative maintenance will help head off problems and keep your car running more efficiently while extending the vehicle's life. 

Air Filters

Air filters are a commonly overlooked preventive maintenance item, but they can have a significant impact on how the car runs and on the fuel mileage it gets. If the air filter in your vehicle is dirty, the amount of air that can pass through the filter begins to get restricted, and the amount of air getting to the engine can be limited. 

The reduced airflow will cause the air and fuel mix to become rich, and the engine will burn more fuel, reducing your fuel economy, and potentially reducing engine power. The rich state will also cause the spark plugs to build up more carbon and potentially reduce the service life of the spark plugs and other internal parts of the engine. 

The air cleaner on most cars is easily accessible, so check it every few weeks, and if you can not see sunlight through the filter material when you hold it up to the sun, you need to replace the filter with a new one. Most auto parts stores have air cleaners in multiple quality levels, and the owner's manual in your car will show you where the filter is and how to change it. 

Belts And Hoses

The belts and hoses on your car are rubber, and they will wear over time. It is critical that both are checked regularly to ensure you are not going to have a failure that will leave you stranded on the side of the road. A visual inspection is all the preventive maintenance they need and could save you a lot of time and money in the long run. 

Check the belts for damage or missing pieces of rubber, dry rot and cracking, or heavy glazing that might cause the belt to slip and not perform correctly if they get wet. If you find damage to a belt, you can have your local auto repair shop change the belt for you.

The hoses on your car should also be inspected for leaks, worn spots that might indicate the hose is rubbing on the chassis, or cracks in the rubber. If you suspect a belt is leaking, take the car into the shop and have it checked by a certified technician as soon as you can. The earlier these small things are caught and remedied, the more dependable your car or truck will be.