Want to ensure your car, truck, or SUV in the Tualatin Valley lasts a long time - well past 100,000 miles? Regular maintenance is crucial for getting more years out of your vehicle. That's why we at CARR Chevrolet recommend visiting our Beaverton automotive service center to follow these best practices.
Keep up with semiannual oil changes
Most vehicles need fresh oil every 6 months - especially if its odometer has crossed 100,000 miles. The cleaner the motor oil is, the better it is at preserving the mechanical components. Never postpone an oil change in Beaverton if you want your car to stay in good condition! A vehicle with powertrain damage will not last long, so don't let soiled fluids cause unnecessary wear.
Not sure how often your vehicle needs its oil changed? Our service advisors at CARR Chevrolet will recommend the proper intervals based on driving habits, vehicle age, and other factors. We also recommend that high-mileage vehicles use a specially formulated synthetic motor oil that's gentler on the engine. We will also alert you when it's time to flush other fluids like the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
Take care of the wheels
Keep your car rolling along for years to come by maintaining the wheels and connected components. This includes the tire rods, struts, control arms, springs, rotors, and other parts. CARR Chevrolet recommends scheduling tire rotations, wheel alignments, tire balances, and lug nut examinations at our Beaverton dealership every year.
Replace aging parts when necessary
It might be tempting to delay parts replacements to save a few bucks, but the longer you wait, the more likely your vehicle with suffer damage. When your car needs a new battery, wiper blades, brakes, tires, air filters, or spark plugs, replace them right away! CARR Chevrolet can perform a multipoint inspection and alert you of any failing or deteriorating parts that need to be replaced by our service technicians.
Don't ignore warning lights
When a symbol appears on your vehicle's dashboard, your car is trying to tell you that something is wrong! Take these warnings seriously and bring your vehicle to CARR Chevrolet right away for diagnosis and repair. The longer you ignore a check engine light, temperature warning, or system failure indicator, the more you are shortening its lifespan.
Clean your car frequently
Want to preserve the condition of your vehicle's body and chassis? Then keep it clean! Regularly washing and waxing your car every season will preserve the materials from corroding. Remaining vigilant with car washes is especially important here in Oregon where road salt during the winter can cause rust to the undercarriage, axle, exhaust system, and rocker panels.
Don't forget about cleansing other hidden parts of the car that can experience deterioration, such as the battery terminals. Lubricate moving parts like door hinges and handles. Ask the service advisors at CARR Chevrolet if your car needs an injector cleaning or carbon cleaning to purge built-up gunk.
Drive with care
Be gentle with your vehicle! Aggressive driving habits will strain your car's systems and lead to premature problems. Instead of jack-rabbitting, accelerate and brake gradually. Don't let your car idle too long. Drive it on a regular basis in the Portland metropolitan area, at least three times a week. Don't try to haul or tow more than your truck or SUV can handle. Avoid steep inclines when your sedan or crossover is at full passenger and cargo capacity.
Paying some money now for vehicle service at CARR Chevrolet will actually save you more money in the long run by extending your car's lifespan. Get the most out of your investment with regular service appointments here at our local dealership.