4 Routine Car Maintenance Upgrades to Consider in 2023

The problem with routine car maintenance is that most people forget how important it is… until there’s a problem. We get it – nobody wants to pay for car care when everything is running smoothly. However, the unfortunate reality is that if you’re not taking the time to perform preventative maintenance, sooner or later, things are going to break down.

Make 2023 the year you avoid unexpected trips to the shop by keeping your vehicle running in peak condition. These four routine maintenance upgrades can help you cruise through the calendar without unexpected (not to mention costly) stops along the way.

1. Find Out if It’s Time for New Tires

Tires are the only connection your vehicle has to the road. When they begin to wear down, you’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Understandably, a several-hundred-dollar purchase is rarely at the top of anyone’s list of things they want to do. But here’s why you should think about it differently:

At some point, you will need new tires. It’s not a question of if, but when. Being proactive in replacing your set ensures safety on the road, and it helps to purchase them on your terms rather than waiting until you don’t have a choice. If you’re not sure how much life you have left in your tires, stop into one of our 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto locations to have our expert and certified maintenance technicians look them over and provide you with an honest answer.

2. Check Your Oil, Filter, and Fluids

Most drivers don’t consider what’s happening under the hood. It may seem like if your vehicle is getting from point A to point B there’s no cause for concern, but the reality is you could be adding significant wear and tear to critical engine components if you aren’t monitoring fluid levels.

As minor as it may seem, fluid levels play a vital role in keeping your entire engine system functioning properly. Unlike some other repairs, refilling your coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and even your oil, is very inexpensive relative to other types of maintenance.

In addition to oil and fluid replacement, swapping out your dirty engine filter for a clean one can dramatically improve performance. Your filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine and clogging up important components. Replacing your filter will vary by make/model, but typically costs under $40, so there’s no reason to put it off when it’s time for a new one.

3. Brake Inspection

Fully functioning brakes can make all the difference between narrowly missing a collision and ending up with a totaled vehicle. If you can’t remember the last time you had a professional look them over, it’s likely time to visit a Dobbs near you.

While there’s no hardline rule about when you should replace your brake pads, most experts suggest getting new ones every 10,000 – 20,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive, that could be anywhere from one to three years.

If you notice any screeching or squeaking while braking, have one of our expert and certified maintenance technicians look it over. They can diagnose any potential issues on the spot and recommend a fix to get you safely back on the road.

4. Battery and Belts

What do these two B’s have in common? You may not think about them until they fail. Batteries should last three to six years, which means it’s nearly impossible to know when it’s time for a replacement unless you run your battery through a test machine. We recommend checking your battery annually to ensure you won’t experience the dreaded clicking noise that indicates you aren’t going anywhere.

If your battery is low on power and you experience flickering lights or stalling, the problem may result from a broken or loose alternator belt. While you drive, your alternator regulates and optimizes how your battery provides power to several components of your vehicle. If it breaks, frays, or comes loose, it won’t do its job efficiently, and your battery will drain quicker than it should. The next time you get an oil change or have an expert look under your hood, ask them to check your belts for any signs of cracking, which could mean a break is imminent.

Find a Dobbs Tire & Auto Center Near You

Get out in front of routine maintenance issues before they turn into a bigger and more expensive problems. Contact us to ask about a regular maintenance checkup, and let our expert and certified service technicians at our 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Center locations help diagnose any potential issues.