The short-term preventative measures that car owners must undertake

Milstead Service Center: Protect your car and its engine with these short-term measures

Conroe, United States - /Milstead Service Center/

Short-term maintenance measures to protect your vehicle

A car is a complicated machine, and its maintenance may seem daunting to many owners. A car is an investment; therefore, it makes sense to take care of your investment regularly. With so many maintenance tips, it becomes hard to figure out what is needed now and what is needed later. Milstead Service Center, an auto repair shop, talks about short-term checkups that car owners must conduct to protect their car and optimize its performance.

1. Oil Change

The oil keeps the engine well-lubricated and prevents overheating. Oil must be changed after every 5,000 miles or as suggested by the car manufacturer to avoid damage to the engine and optimize performance. Along with oil, the oil filters must also be changed as they collect a lot of debris, preventing it from circulating through the engine. 

2. Fuel filter

The fuel filter’s task is to remove water particles, rust, paint, and dust from the fuel as these abrasive elements can damage the system. The failure of a fuel filter can clog up the engine as the particles build up inside it. Therefore, changing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles is important, although modern vehicles have fuel filters that can last up to 60,000 miles. 

3. Air filter

An air filter prevents the debris and particulates from entering the combustion chamber in the engine and damaging it. It also increases fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and prolongs the engine's life. Changing the air filter is very easy and inexpensive. Ideally, it should be regularly inspected and changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or earlier and more frequently if the car is driven in dusty conditions. 

4. Tire pressure and tread 

Car owners must visually inspect the tires often for pressure, especially before a long trip. With the help of a tire pressure gauge, car owners can check the PSI (pressure per square inch) of the tires and the spare. During winters, the pressure usually drops by one pound with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Whereas during summers, the tires may have more air inside them. Therefore, tire pressure must be checked when the temperature changes drastically to protect the tires. 

The tread of the tire is the rubber that gives traction to a car while driving. As the age of the tires wears off, the traction falls, increasing the likelihood of the tire blowing up or getting flat. 

Therefore, the tire pressure and tread must be inspected regularly to ensure a smoothly functioning car and avoid unnecessary expenses.

5. Tire rotation

Tire rotation means changing the position of the tires on the vehicle to maximize the tread life of the tires. With tire rotation, not only is the wear evenly spread out to all tires, but the tread depth on all tires also remains uniform. The vehicle's braking performance is improved, the traction and handling stay consistent across all tires, and the stress on the drivetrain is lowered when the tires are evenly worn. To prolong the life of the tires, car owners must rotate new tires at 5,000 miles since fresh tires are more prone to uneven wear.

6. Wax the vehicle

Waxing a vehicle extends the lifespan of the paint and protects the exteriors from the elements like sand, dust, and UV light. A waxing every six months can prevent rusting, which, if not addressed, can spread to other parts weakening the vehicle’s body.

Why Milstead Service Center?

Established in 1972, Milstead Service Center’s ASE-certified technicians are experts at minor tune-ups to major engine rebuilds. Well-versed in the latest automotive technology, diagnostics, and repairs, the technicians work on most types of vehicles in Montgomery County. Milstead Service Center can take care of all automotive needs from auto repair, air conditioning, glass, and towing to RV repair, maintenance services, and collision repair.

Besides being focussed on giving impeccable customer service, the Milstead Service Center only believes in dealing in original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts. 

If you search for a “mechanic near me” on Google, your search is at an end. Call (936) 441-3500 or visit 2416 1/2 N Frazier St for auto repair and maintenance services.