Preventive Maintenance

VIP makes preventive maintenance a breeze
At VIP parts, Tires and Service, we have everything that you need to keep your car running at peak performance for as long as it was built to last, and we take pride in making sure that your car is not only safe, but efficient as well. Our ASE Certified technicians understand the importance of preventive maintenance, and they are highly trained in spotting potential issues before they become bigger problems. If you’re just coming in for an oil change, we always perform a detailed Multi-Point Vehicle Safety Inspection — free of charge.

Our technicians will inform you of the current condition of your car, let you know what parts will need adjusting or replacing next, give you helpful car maintenance tips, and alert you if they notice anything that requires immediate attention. We understand that regular car preventative maintenance and repairs require both time and money, and we make every effort to make the process easier on you. We are open seven days a week, which gives you the freedom to come in when it is convenient for you. When you bring your car into VIP, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in excellent hands. At VIP, there is no need to schedule an appointment -- call VIP today!

Car maintenance checklist for increasing your vehicle’s lifespan:

Get regular oil changes - If you don’t have adequate amounts of engine oil in your car at all times, you run the risk of developing serious, and very costly, engine problems. Oil is necessary for lubricating, cooling, and cleaning your engine, so getting an oil change approximately every 3,000 miles will drastically increase the lifespan of your vehicle.

Maintain your tires – Some of the most important factors that determine the lifespan of your tires are your driving habits. Speeding, fast turns, fast starts, and fast stops causes the rubber on your tires to quickly wear down. Making sure that your tires are properly inflated and wheels aligned is important as well, because failing to do so can lead to a weak and uneven tread. Lastly, having your tires rotated on a regular basis allows them to wear more evenly and last longer. Most tire manufacturers and automakers recommend a rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, so make sure to check your vehicle’s manual for your car’s specific requirements.

Have your brakes inspected regularly - Like tires, the longevity of your brakes is due, in part, to your driving habits. Quick starts and fast stops wear down your brake pads and can cause further damage to your overall brake system. Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety system, so making sure to have them routinely inspected is critical not just for your personal safety, but also for your passengers and other drivers on the road.  

Never ignore your check engine light - Your check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system, and it is responsible for warning you of any powertrain problems that could negatively impact your emissions system. Even though the light can turn on for something as small as your gas cap being loose, it doesn’t mean that you should ignore it if it suddenly lights up, because it could mean that something far more serious is in need of immediate attention. 

Regularly check fluid levels - Getting into the habit of regularly checking your car’s levels of antifreeze, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid is important if you want to increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Having proper amounts of these fluids helps to lower the risk of mechanical damage, breakdowns, and even potential accidents, and it is a simple task that requires very little time.

Get routine checkups - There are many benefits to bringing your car to a professional mechanic a couple times a year. They are trained to spot potential problems ahead of time that you might not notice, and that alone can save you from various costly repairs down the road. This form of preventative maintenance is one of the most efficient ways to keep your vehicle running at peak performance and increase its resale value should you ever sell it. Furthermore, having documentation of all of your service records is an excellent asset to have when selling any vehicle.

Address minor problems early - If you notice any new sounds, odors, or vibrations coming from your car, it is always wise to bring it in to have it looked at, as any of these signs could be an indicator that something is failing or requires replacement. Catching a problem early can save you money by preventing potential issues from becoming more complex and expensive.
 

A little preventive maintenance goes a long way

Practicing preventive car maintenance is the most valuable thing that you can do in order to ensure that your vehicle is running exactly as it should for as long as possible. There are many critical parts of your car that need to be well-maintained in order to ensure its safety and longevity, and staying on top of your vehicle’s specific maintenance schedule is the best way to achieve this. Not only does auto maintenance make your car infinitely safer to drive, it also helps to save you a great deal of money throughout the entirety of your ownership. Regular oil changes should be at the top of your checklist, as it is the cheapest, most important task that you can do to keep your engine healthy and functioning at peak performance. Making sure that your tires are properly inflated and in good overall condition is another major component of maintenance that is necessary for safety; it prevents the possibility of dangerous blow outs, and it also increases your fuel efficiency, making trips to the gas pump less frequent and less painful. There are many aspects of preventative maintenance that are essential to follow if you want a long and healthy life for your car, and a little maintenance certainly goes a long way.

For all your preventive maintenance questions, call VIP today!