Wondering How Often Should You Take Your Car in for Maintenance?

Summer has arrived in all its glory.  You had your car serviced last fall, but now you may be wondering just how often should you take your car in for maintenance.  You want to make sure your vehicle is as trustworthy as the potential for the hot days ahead to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. This means that you should follow the car maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual.

Some years ago, Kelton Research published a study that is still true today.  It shows that nine-in-ten American car owners believe they maintain their vehicles correctly.  However, only 41 percent actually follow the manufacturer’s vehicle maintenance recommendations.  The study further reports that less than one in four (23 percent) of car owners work with a certified mechanic to develop a plan for ongoing vehicle maintenance.  From these statistics, it is easy to deduce that there are a lot of vehicles on the road that is greatly in need of some type of auto repair. 

Here are several of the most important vehicle maintenance items:

• Every week or month
• Dashboard Indicator/Warning Lights
• Lights, exterior and interior
• Condition of the tires 
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Engine Oil Level
• Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
• Automatic Transmission Fluid
• Battery and Cables
• Engine oil and filter
• Exhaust and muffler
• Hoses and belts
• Power Steering Fluid
• Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
  • Chassis Lubrication
  • Wiper Blades
• Every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
• Brakes
• Cabin Air Filter
• Coolant (Antifreeze)
• Steering and Suspension
• Wheel Alignment

Preserve the investment you made in your vehicle!  Taking care of your car could be one of the wisest economical decisions you make.

Wondering how often should you take your car in for maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about the car maintenance schedule and to Make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.