Routine Car Services
Routine Car Services
At What Mileage Should You Have Various Services Performed?
We Work On All Makes and Models
Here in Southern California, chances are your car is a vital part of daily life. We use our cars to get just about everywhere, and the stop and go traffic can really take a toll on a car. Having your car checked routinely is the best way to keep it running well. Routine maintenance will prevent a lot of issues, and it can identify others before they really cause havoc. After all, it’s better to find out that your car has an issue while at the mechanic than it is to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
The most frequent service to perform on your car is changing the oil. A lot of places still tell you to get it changed every 3,000 miles, but that is not the case. Improvements made to both engines and the oils we use mean that most cars can go 5,000 or even 7,500 miles between oil changes. Your owner’s manual will tell you what’s recommended for your particular vehicle. On top of the actual oil change, the pros at Advanced Computer Automotive also take a look at your car’s belts, hoses, and filters. We will let you know if one of these needs to be replaced soon and top off your fluids.
Another service you should schedule regularly is a tune up. Your owner’s manual will have a recommended maintenance schedule, and it can vary based on your particular vehicle. But a good rule of thumb is to get your car tuned up every two years or 30,000 miles. At a tune up, the technicians will test your spark plugs, ignition components, fuel and air filters, PCV valve, distributor cap and rotor, belts, fluids, and even your engine’s electronic management system. Some of these won’t need to replaced every time. For example, spark plugs should last 60,000 miles, and newer timing belts can last for up to 100,000 miles. Testing them will let you know for sure.
Tires are really quite impressive. They handle the extreme force generated by your car’s weight and speed for a long time. Still, they wear down over time. Due to turning and braking, the front tires typically wear down faster than the rear ones, so rotating the tires regularly will more evenly distribute the wear over time and allow you to get the most out of your tires. It’s best to rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
California law mandates that every vehicle must receive a smog check every two years, and if it’s more than four years old it must be smog tested before it can be sold. The team at Advanced Computer Automotive will perform the test and can make any fixes needed to ensure that your car meets the standards. For any of these services, call (562) 421-1905 to schedule an appointment or to find out more information.