Preventive maintenance avoids numerous problems, but it is not only enough to monitor the tires or the oil level. Taking the car to the workshop on time helps to avoid serious breakdowns.

It is not easy to solve a problem that does not yet exist, it is not even easy to consider it and even less if it costs money, and that is why thousands of drivers forget, error, the preventive maintenance of their car. Because the next visit to the workshop for a review will be avoiding an appointment (probably much more expensive) to fix a breakdown.

The first should be done at 5,000 kilometres, the second at 10,000 and from there, more or less, repeat them every 15,000 or 20,000 kilometres, as marked by the official book of the vehicle or the car itself, in fact. In the current models, the trip computer indicates to the driver the recommended revision periods and even adapts them in each case depending on the driving style and the requirement to which the mechanics are subjected.

The maintenance book will also tell you to pay attention to the oil and filter, as well as other filters (air, pollen and fuel); to shock absorbers, which guarantee ride comfort and safety; to the timing belt, whose price is high; to the brake pads, for obvious reasons; to the tires, the headlights, the exhaust system and even the wiper blades.

What the manufacturer will not say, probably, is that revisions should not necessarily be made in the official service to maintain the warranty. Car manufacturers must provide any workshop with the technical information necessary to intervene in cars. The consumer does not lose the legal guarantee of his vehicle when checking it in a workshop outside the brand in question, provided that the workshop is authorized by the manufacturer and has supplied the original parts.

Here at Alpha Mobile Mechanics you are also part of the team, so we explain every detail related to the process and keep you aware of the way we complete this process.

7 key elements

It is complex to establish what exactly to check in the usual maintenance, because each model is a world, but there are certain parts of the vehicle whose control is essential.

Oil

The essential element in the maintenance is the oil, which lubricates the engine and softens its friction: a well-oiled block keeps the brio and the performance much better, but the oil gets dirty and loses properties and beyond 15,000 kilometres it no longer yields as should. This applies as a general rule, of course: there are manufacturers who recommend changes every 10,000 kilometres and others every 30,000. Everyone will agree on something, however: at the same time the filter, which accumulates old oil and many impurities must be replaced. The oil dipstick is the witness that can avoid serious problems.

Filters

The oil filter is not alone. The one of the air guarantees that the one that arrives at the engine does not contain impurities, so that the combustion is carried out in optimal conditions. Its useful life depends on the air in which the car moves, but it should be changed every 15,000 kilometres, approximately. In gasoline vehicles, the fuel filter prevents fuel impurities from reaching the engine and must be changed between 40,000 and 80,000 kilometres; in diesel, it serves to remove moisture and prevent corrosion (change every 30,000 or 60,000 kilometres). As for the pollen filter, which guarantees clean air in the passenger compartment, it should be replaced every year or every 15,000 kilometres.

Tires

The connection between the car and the road depends on the condition of the tires. The pressure and wear must be monitored, as well as the age of the covers. Here are all the keys to control them and choose the best new tires.

Shock absorbers

Together with the tires and the brakes, the shock absorbers form a fundamental set for safety. They allow to maintain the stability of the car, absorb the irregularities of the terrain and brake effectively. Their wear is not visible to the naked eye, so it should be checked every 20,000 kilometres.

Brakes

Apart from the fact that the brake fluid has to be controlled, the front pads have greater wear than the rear ones, since most of the circulating models are front-wheel drive. It is very important that this system be reviewed by a specialist at least once a year.

Timing belt

Keep in mind that the price of a break in the distribution kit can be important, even very high. Therefore, maintenance is essential, and a review between 80,000 and 100,000 kilometres is recommended. Be careful, because some kits include a water pump. If so (it happens every time in more models), the change or revision is usually made jointly.

Exhaust systems and catalysts

Exhaust systems have a double mission in caring for the environment: reducing pollutant emissions and gas noise when leaving the engine. Although it depends on many factors and therefore you cannot speak of a fixed figure, the catalysts cease to cover their protective function of the environment at approximately 80,000 kilometres.

Bear in mind Alpha Mobile Mechanics offers excellent mobile services, so you no longer need to worry about taking your car to a service station. Contact us today for more information about our services.