You’ve taken the time to do your research and select a vehicle that works perfectly for you. The last thing you want to do is decrease the longevity of your carefully chosen vehicle by foregoing necessary maintenance. Some owners neglect vehicle maintenance to save a few dollars here and there, but this approach does not pay off in the long run. When you ignore basic maintenance, small, fixable problems become much bigger issues, or, in the worst-case scenario, cause the vehicle to be damaged beyond repair. Here is a list of the most important vehicle maintenance items to check off your list the next time you bring your vehicle in for service.

Oil Change

Nothing will destroy your vehicle faster than a missed oil change. Motor oil is responsible for keeping your engine’s parts lubricated and operating smoothly. If your vehicle runs out, the remaining oil can turn to sludge and the parts start to grind together. Waiting too long for an oil change can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle’s engine. While some people recommend going in for an oil change every 3,000 miles, the number for newer cars is more in the 5,000- to 10,000-mile range. Check your vehicle manual for the oil change schedule that applies to your model. The manual will also tell you which specific type of oil your vehicle needs. Be sure to request this oil the next time you go in for service instead of the cheapest variety. You can also check your oil at home between service appointments to make sure everything is operating as it should. Use a dipstick to check the oil level, and inspect the oil itself for any milky-white spots, overly dark coloration or metal particles.

Brake Inspection

If you’re like most drivers, you get a fair bit of use out of your brakes. Whether you’re chugging along in stop-and-go traffic, easing down a hill or slamming on the brakes before that yellow light turns to red, you’re doing a number on the brake pads. The principle is simple – when you push the pedal, the brake pad is squeezed against the brake rotors, slowing your wheels through friction. If the brake pad withers away to nothing, it could cause some serious damage to your rotor and other parts of the wheel. Listen for high pitched squealing as you brake. This is the sound of a metal brake wear indicator, which only makes contact with the rotor when the pad is nearly gone. If you hear any louder metallic noises, bring in your vehicle for brake pad replacement right away.

Engine Air Filter Replacement

Your engine air filter keeps your engine clean, ensuring optimal efficiency and performance. Depending on your vehicle model, driving style and environment, you’ll need to change it every 15,000 to 45,000 miles. The more debris in the air, the quicker your air filter will become clogged with dirt. You can check your engine air filter at any time by popping the hood and taking a quick look. A filter that’s gray in color and full of particles has reached the end of its lifespan, especially if you cannot tap or vacuum the dust off gently. If you noticed decreased fuel efficiency or a dingy filter, bring your vehicle in for a filter replacement.

Tire Check

Your tires keep your vehicle grounded, and if you don’t care for them properly, they could wear or blow out when you least expect it. During service, ask for the following to keep them in tip-top shape:

• Rotation – swapping the tires from front to back or across the vehicle to make sure they wear evenly
• Balancing – ensuring even distribution of weight on either side of the axle to minimize vibration and shaking
• Alignment – adjusting the suspension to make sure the tires aren’t at an angle that causes pulling or uneven tread wear
• Pressure Check – measuring the amount of air in each tire and inflating or deflating them to optimal levels to prevent tire damage
• Inspection – examining the tire tread to determine if it’s more than 2/32 of an inch thick or if it needs replacing

Windshield Wiper Replacement

Windshield wipers are crucial for ensuring visibility during inclement weather, especially in rainy Seattle. If your wipers are dragging grime in streaks across your field of vision, take a moment to inspect your blades. Dirt can be wiped off the blade easily with a cloth. However, if you notice any cracking, rotting or buckling that prevents the blade from forming a seal along the curvature of your windshield, it’s time for a replacement. You should be replacing your wipers at least once per year, although twice is often ideal. This is especially true for vehicles in hot climates where high temperatures warp the rubber and climates with a snowy winter season. Fortunately, windshield wipers are a relatively inexpensive item and well worth replacing for safety reasons.

Vehicle Service at Honda of Seattle

There is a lot of generic advice out there about how often you should get vehicle maintenance, but in reality, your vehicle’s make, model and year should dictate its service schedule. At Honda of Seattle, our experienced technicians are familiar with every Honda model and can give your vehicle the exact service it needs according to factory recommendations. Call us at (206) 382-8800 to schedule your service appointment today.