The Importance of Used Car Maintenance in Central OR

 

Anyone who has worked on cars will tell you not to ignore regular used car maintenance in Central OR. Unfortunately, most car owners do. Some of them believe that having their cars checked regularly for maintenance costs too much. Other car owners are just unaware of what needs to be done or how often to have it checked.  This leads to drivers taking their used cars in for service only when something goes wrong, resulting in costly repairs. 
Regular used car maintenance in Central OR is a preventive measure, not a last resort. It can also be considered a safety measure to avoid accidents or safety issues. Maintenance and service should not be ignored and should be scheduled regularly to inspect the car for any faulty areas or to provide preventative services. This can save you from spending thousands of dollars on repairs down the road by catching small issues before they become major problems. To help get started, here are some basic car maintenance checks you can do on your own or with the help of our service staff. 
We always recommend taking your used car to the dealership for inspections, maintenance, and repairs to be completed by a certified technician. This will ensure the work is done correctly and safely to keep your vehicle in proper working condition. These tips are intended to give drivers an idea of what to keep an eye on between scheduled maintenance intervals and potential issues to be aware of that sometimes arise on used cars.

Read and understand your car’s manual 


Understand your car better by reading its manual. This guide will tell you how to correctly use all the vehicle’s features. Also included in the manual will be a recommended maintenance schedule. The recommended maintenance schedule in the manual should be followed strictly to prolong the life of the car. When possible, this maintenance should be done by a certified technician or mechanic. 
Some other information you can find in the manual may include the type of fuel and the octane level your car requires. Filling it up with the wrong fuel may cause damage to your car.

Make it a habit to inspect your car

Make it a habit to inspect your car regularly, especially before travelling. Doing this periodically can help you spot anything irregular or dangerous. Check your headlights and make sure they are working properly. Tire air pressure and tire tread should be checked monthly as well. This is easy to do with a tire gauge purchased from your local auto parts store or from Subaru of Bend and with a penny. Maintaining ideal tire pressure helps the car get better gas mileage. For more information on how to check your tire pressure or tread depth, contact the Subaru of Bend Service department. 

Learn to check your car’s fluid levels

Learn to check your car’s antifreeze, coolant, power steering fluid, and wiper fluid levels. In some cases, you can easily check these levels with a dip stick, fill line, or gauge. If you find the fluid low, add more or drain and refill it. It is also important to check for leaks – if you are refilling any fluids too frequently there could be a leak in the reservoir. Never ignore a leak during used car maintenance in Central OR. 

Change your oil regularly

You should frequently check your oil color and level, as oil is one of the most important factors in keeping your car running for years. Knowing whether the oil is muddy or murky will help you diagnose any engine problems before they escalate to something worse. Understand how to differentiate between clean oil and old oil by asking a technician to show you the difference during your next oil change. Check your manual to find out how often you should have your oil changed. 

Check your batteries and clean any build up that’s present

Check your car batteries regularly especially during used car maintenance in Central OR. You should learn how to do a simple inspection on it to make sure there is no leak or mineral build-up. If you notice any, bring it in to Subaru of Bend to have a technician clean it with a battery cleaning brush. It’s also recommended to keep a battery tester or jump starter to test the battery on your own. 

Inspect and replace the belts 

Review your manual to see how often you should replace your serpentine and timing belts. It can give you an exact recommendation as to when you should have new belts installed. This should always be done by a certified technician or mechanic at certain intervals defined in your manual. Waiting too long to replace these belts could lead to costly repairs and may even leave you stranded on the road. 

Replace windshield wipers when necessary

Windshield wipers are inexpensive and easy to replace. Don’t wait until they are so worn you can’t see in the rain. Visibility is important in helping you avoid a crash. 

Change Spark Plugs 

A damaged spark plug puts your engine at risk. It may also lead you to spend more money on fuel or may even lead to a breakdown. If your spark plugs are worn out or covered with build-up, replace them immediately. 
Visit our Service department at Subaru of Bend for any of your repair or maintenance need. Our certified technicians will ensure your car is kept in top shape!