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Preventive Maintenance vs. Repair According to the Car Care Council, Americans spent an estimated 2 billion dollars last year due to vehicle neglect. Think of it this way: Which is more expensive, replacing your battery, or having it die leaving you stranded, paying for a service call and then replacing the battery anyway? Getting your car serviced regularly is the best way for you to save money on automotive costs, and save time on easily avoidable mechanical problems. Gemini™ wants to keep your car running longer. Regular visits to Cheseldine Tire & Auto, your Gemini retailer, for tire and manufacturer recommended engine maintenance will help you avoid the problems that cost you extra time and money.
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| Oil/Filter/Lubrication Service | 3 months or 3,000 miles |
| Tire Rotation | 6,000 miles |
| Repack Wheel Bearings | 2 years or 30,000 miles |
| Battery Service | annually or as needed |
| Fuel Filter | annually or as needed |
| Transmission Service | 2 years or 30,000 miles |
| Cooling System Service (Power Flush) | each fall |
| Air Conditioning Inspection | each spring |
| Power Steering Flush | 2 years or 30,000 miles |
| EGR Service (Cleaning) | 2 years or 30,000 miles |
| Check Engine Light (computer code) | whenever it illuminates |
| Accessory Drive Belts | 4 years or 60,000 miles |
| Timing Belt Replacement | 60,000 or per owner's manual |
| Differential Fluid Service | 30,000 miles |
| Brake and Clutch Hydraulics | annually or as needed |
| Radiator/Heater Hoses | 4 years or 60,000 miles |
Easy tips to maintain vehicle value in St. Marys County through good automotive repair.
If you have postponed buying a car in Southern Maryland because of a weak economy you are not alone. St. Mary’s auto repair centers are finding the national statistics to be true even in the Southern Maryland region. More than 100,000 potential new vehicle owners throughout the United States are planning to hold onto their vehicles much longer than they originally intended to, says Edmunds.com, an online automotive resource. Under these circumstances, there is no better way to ensure that your vehicle will continue to serve you well long-term than by regular auto repair.
Rotating tires in Southern Maryland is an easy and
often overlooked way to help a vehicle maintain its value.
Good auto repair maintenance can keep your vehicle on the road for years to come -- and keep you safer on the road. So if you are in the California , Lexington Park, Maryland or surrounding areas are especially you will want to read this article and see how Cheseldine Tire and Auto can help you and your car last longer with high quality auto repair in slow economic times.
Many drivers think maintenance equals oil changes. In fact, there’s more to good car care than an oil change. Many residents throughout the state of Maryland don't rotate their tires as frequently as they should. That's a big mistake. Proper rotation can add as much as 10,000 miles to the life of a set of tires.
There's more you can do to keep your vehicle operating reliably. Here are a few tips from AAA.
- Keep maintenance records. Maintenance records are good diagnostic tools and proof you have cared for your vehicle, which can enhance the vehicle's trade-in or resale value
- Run your engine for a few minutes before powering up the heater, air conditioner, wipers, and other accessories. Accelerating with a cold engine can cause premature engine failure.
- If your vehicle has fuel injection, keep the tank at least one-quarter full. Cornering with a nearly empty tank disrupts the flow to the fuel pump.
- Look for cracks or looseness in engine belts. Broken belts are a major reason for roadside breakdowns.
Your local AAA club and Cheseldine tire are valuable resources for maintenance help.
AAA also offers more tips on vehicle maintenance at www.AAA.com
Cheseldine Tire and Auto is always happy to answer your auto repair questions when you call 301-863-5800. Or if you are in Southern Maryland with an auto repair need stop by to see one of the friendly technicians for help with your question.
Get Ready for Holiday Travel with your Southern MD auto repair checklist.
Make sure your holiday travel goes smoothly this winter by getting your vehicle in shape before taking to the roads. Here's a checklist from the pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Cheseldine tire and Auto, in california, MD to help make the repair process go smoothly:
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
- Keep a log of all repairs and service. (It is easy to keep a notebook of all receipts of services from Cheseldine Tire and Auto.)
- Inspect your car periodically for unusual sounds, odors, drips, warning lights, gauge readings, etc.
- Be aware of changes in: engine performance, fluid levels and problems in handling, braking, steering, or vibrations.
- Be prepared to describe any problems. Try to note when the problem occurred and whether it is constant or periodic.
- Carry a written list of the symptoms for the technician or service consultant.
- Do not suggest a repair; let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy.
- Ask questions. Do not be embarrassed to request simple definitions.
- Don't rush the technician to make an on-the-spot diagnosis. Ask to be called and appraised of the problem, the fix, and estimated costs before work begins.
- Be sure you understand shop policies regarding estimates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.
Founded in 1972, the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is an independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified professionals wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care tips and more.
More Cheseldine Tire & Auto Maintenance Tips
Oil Change Southern Maryland 3,000 miles; too often or too good to be true?
Come see us today; it's the best investment you can make for your car.
45440 Miramar Way
(RTE 235, in the
Wal-Mart Center)
