Many of us are guilty of taking our vehicle for granted. After all, if it seems to be operating fine, we assume it does not need any extra care. Unfortunately, there are things that could go wrong with your vehicle long before it gives you signs, which only increase the severity of the repair it will need. By knowing what to look out for, you can ensure better vehicle maintenance and avoid expensive repairs caused by neglect and oversight.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MISTAKES?

These mistakes are very common and easily avoided just by paying attention to your car. Some of the most common mistakes you should be aware of include:

• Ignoring Check Engine Lights – The check engine light may come on, but the vehicle is operating fine; therefore you ignore it. Any time you have a dashboard light on you should have the vehicle checked out. It’s important to realize that these warning lights do not turn on unless there is a specific reason.
• Not Monitoring Tire Pressure – Most drivers forget about tire pressure, especially because a tire can appear well-inflated, even if it’s not. Weather, especially cold weather, can impact your air pressure. Lower pressure leads to poor efficiency, while too much air can lead to a blowout. Check your pressure regularly and make sure it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Not Performing Regular Oil Changes – Your vehicle’s owner manual will tell you how often you need an oil change and even if it is several thousand miles, do not attempt to push the limit or ignore this recommendation. Skipping timely maintenance checks such as an oil change could force your engine to seize or sludge deposits to harm your engine.
• Not Checking Other Fluids – Oil is not the only fluid that regularly must be checked in your vehicle. You should also be checking your engine coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid as recommended by your owner’s manual.
• Ignoring the Transmission – Your vehicle’s transmission requires maintenance too. The fluid and filter should be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres based on your owner’s manual. Ignoring your transmission could lead to a premature failure, clutch problems and small repairs that will add up over time.
• Repairing or Servicing When You Do Not Know How – While you may save yourself some money repairing or servicing at home, if you do not know what you are doing, you could be damaging your vehicle. Leave repairs and maintenance tasks to the professionals to enjoy continued performance from your vehicle.

National Transmission offers transmission maintenance in Lethbridge, Calgary and throughout Alberta that can help keep your vehicle running at its best. Book your preventive maintenance appointment today by calling one of our locations or schedule your appointment online.