Regular auto maintenance services prolong the life of your car or truck, as well as contribute to your safety on the road. The regular maintenance checks that you can perform will save you money on costly auto repairs.

Proper Tire Inflation. It may seem like a small detail, but if your tires are over inflated or underinflated, they are presenting a safety risk and are reducing your gas mileage. Tires are engineered to perform at a certain inflation level. An underinflated tire effects how your vehicle is handling. Also, proper inflation pressure will ensure your tires last longer. Check your tires regularly because tires tend to lose a pound of air once a month.

Wheel Alignment. When your vehicle is not aligned properly, it’s going to affect the control you have over your vehicle’s handling, but it will also start chipping away at the investment you have made in your vehicle’s tires. If your steering wheel is pulling to one side or another, or you feel a vibration from the steering wheel or car seat when driving on a smooth road, your wheels are likely misaligned. When the wheel alignment is off, your tires will begin wearing prematurely. Both alignment checks, and regular tire rotations will lengthen the life of your tires.

The Role of Oil. Your engine’s oil is what ensures all the moving parts of the engine are running smoothly. Both the heat and the friction that the oil is constantly battling against cause the oil to become contaminated. As time goes on the contaminated oil becomes less effective at allowing the moving parts to smoothly work together. A regular oil change for your vehicle is essential for engine components to work together year after year.

Following your manufacturer’s scheduled vehicle maintenance recommendations, which include the recommended oil change interval, will save you money throughout the life of your car.