If you’ve ever wondered how often to change your oil, or whether it’s safe to drive on bald tires, then you’re also probably wondering what kind of power steering fluid is right for your car and where you can find a good deal on brake pads.

These questions may seem simple, but they’re actually pretty complicated especially when it comes to managing your car’s long-term health.

That’s why we’ve gathered together some of the most common car maintenance questions from real people like you and answered them with the help of our expert friends at HARTFORD Insurance®. So sit back and relax: We’ve got everything covered!

Top 5 Most Asked Questions About Car Maintenance

Takeaway
Regular car maintenance is crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Winter driving requires additional maintenance and preparation to ensure safety.
Follow a regular maintenance schedule and checklist to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Long-term vehicle ownership requires diligence and attention to detail.
Protect yourself and your car while on the road through regular maintenance and safe driving practices.

Table of Contents

Do New Cars Need Oil Changes?

You may have heard that new cars don’t need oil changes, and that’s true. New cars are built with more advanced technology and generally go longer than older cars before needing an oil change.

However, if you drive your vehicle a lot or take it on long trips, it’s worth checking with your mechanic to see when they recommend changing your car’s engine oil.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that newer vehicles can get by with synthetic oils that are less expensive than conventional ones.

If you’re planning on keeping your car for several years (and if you’re careful about maintaining it properly), switching from a conventional motor oil to a synthetic option could save you quite a bit over time especially since synthetic oils last longer than their conventional counterparts do!

The key to keeping your vehicle in great condition for years to come is through proper maintenance. Follow these “Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Vehicle” to ensure your car is running smoothly year-round.

How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

How often you need to replace your brake pads depends on the vehicle. If you don’t have an owner’s manual for your car, then ask a mechanic or dealership service department for advice.

If your brake pads are worn down and contacting the rotor, it can cause damage to either or both of them.

This is especially true if you hear grinding noises when applying the brakes—this is an indication that there isn’t enough friction between these components, which means it’s time for new brake pads!

Brake Pad Replacement Schedule

Driving Habits	Replacement Schedule
Normal city/highway driving	Replace every 50,000 miles.
Heavy city traffic/stop and go driving	Replace every 25,000 miles.
Performance driving/racing	Replace every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Note: Replacement schedules may vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of brake pads being used. Brands such as PowerStop, Akebono, and Bosch offer brake pads that are designed to last longer and perform better than generic options. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance guidelines.

How Long Do Tires Last And What Kind Should I Get?

Tires are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road, so it’s critical to maintain them properly.

You should replace your tires when they are 6 years old or older, regardless of their tread depth or other factors.

The size and type of tire you choose is important to your car’s performance, too:

Tire size

Tread depth (the distance between the tread grooves)
Tread wear pattern

Stay safe on the road during the winter season by preparing your car with these “Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving”. From snow tires to battery checks, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle any weather conditions.

How Do I Know If I’m Due For A Tune-Up?

You can’t go wrong following the manufacturer’s recommendation. After all, they designed your car to last a long time and know what’s best for it.

If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have an owner’s manual, or if it recommends something different than what we covered above, go ahead and do that instead.

But if you’re curious about whether or not you should get your car tuned up, there are other ways to tell:

Check the engine light: This one is pretty self-explanatory—if the check engine light is on in your dashboard when you turn on the ignition, then something may be wrong with how your engine is running. Turn off the car and pull over as soon as possible so that you don’t risk driving while knowing something needs fixing!

Visiting a mechanic: You can also bring your car in for a tune-up every few months or so just to make sure everything’s fine. Most mechanics include this option in their services anyway; however, make sure yours does before paying them anything extra (like if they say “tune-ups” but then charge separately).

How Do I Know When My Engine Is Going To Go Out?

There are a few warning signs that will let you know that your engine is on its way out. If you hear strange noises coming from the engine, or if your car is leaking oil and/or coolant, then it’s time to take it in for repairs.

Your vehicle may also misfire, or overheat at random times. These are all signs that something needs to be repaired in order for your vehicle to continue running smoothly.

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your car running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road. Check out these “Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly” to ensure your car is always in good shape.

Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

3,000 miles is a good starting point: While there are plenty of exceptions to this rule, it’s generally accepted that oil changes should be done every 3,000 miles.

This number is roughly how often your engine will go through its full life cycle and require fresh lubricant to keep running at full capacity.

However, mileage can vary depending on the type of driving you do (e.g., stop-and-go traffic versus long highway hauls) as well as other factors like weather conditions and whether or not your car has been maintained properly in the past.

When Should I Flush My Radiator?

The radiator is one of the most important parts of your car. It keeps the engine cool by circulating coolant through it, preventing overheating.

If you’re seeing white or brownish sludge in the radiator or your coolant is discolored, it might be time for a flush.

If you have been driving a long distance in hot weather say, on a hot summer day with no air conditioning you should also consider flushing out your cooling system.

The same goes if you have been driving a long distance in cold weather with heat on high to keep warm: Overtime and exposure to extreme temperatures can cause corrosion that can only be removed by flushing out everything and starting fresh with new coolant.

If any of these conditions apply to you (or even if they don’t), give us a call; we’ll set up an appointment so our expert technicians can perform this service at no extra cost!

Radiator Flush Schedule

Vehicle Type	Recommended Interval
Passenger Cars	Every 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Trucks and SUVs	Every 3 years.
Heavy Duty/Commercial Vehicles	Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Note: Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations. Using high-quality antifreeze and coolant, such as brands like Zerex and Prestone, can help prolong the life of your radiator and engine.

What Kind Of Power Steering Fluid Should I Use?

According to the experts at AutoZone, you should use a power steering fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer.

If you can’t find one in your owner’s manual, check with a mechanic to make sure you have purchased the proper type of fluid for your vehicle.

In addition to being important for proper operation of your car’s power steering system, using the right kind of fluid helps prevent damage or wear-and-tear on other parts of your vehicle.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply rely on your vehicle for daily transportation, long-term ownership requires regular maintenance. Use this “Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Ownership” as a guide to keep your car in tip-top shape for years to come.

Can You Tell Me How To Change My Own Oil?

It’s a great way to save money, but it requires some basic tools and know-how. Here’s what you need to know:

Find the right oil. The oil type in your car depends on its make and model, so check the manual or call your mechanic.

If you don’t have access to either resource, find out which grade is recommended for your vehicle by checking with an auto parts store employee or searching online (the Society of Automotive Engineers website has a database). If you don’t want to do the research yourself, ask your mechanic—they’ll probably be happy to find out for you!

Get ready for the job. Before starting this project, clean off any mud from under the car so that when changing its oil filter later there won’t be dirt from under there getting into places where it doesn’t belong (in other words: don’t try doing this part inside).

Also make sure there are no leaves stuck on top of one another near where you’re going put down newspaper you wouldn’t want something like that falling into one’s engine while trying regular maintenance…or worse yet after driving around all day with leaves building up in there!

Do You Think It’s Safe To Drive On Bald Tires?

The short answer is yes, it’s completely safe to drive on bald tires. It’s not a matter of safety; you can still get home safely in the event of a blowout or other accident. However, there are reasons to avoid bald tires if possible:

They can cause your car to skid and lose control more easily than new ones would.

They wear out faster than new ones do which means that you’ll have to replace them sooner (and spend more money), or risk having dangerous blowouts much earlier than otherwise would have been necessary if you’d had a full tread depth on all four wheels instead of just two.

In either case, that hurts your pocketbook and puts everyone else around you at risk for accidents due to skidding and loss of control while driving!

Your car is likely one of your most valuable possessions, which is why it’s important to keep it safe on the road. Check out these “Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe on the Road” to ensure you’re taking all the necessary steps to protect yourself and your car while driving.

What Is The Best Way To Check My Tire Pressure?

The most accurate way to check the pressure in your tires is with a tire pressure gauge. These are available at any auto parts store and will give you an accurate reading on all four tires at once.

The best time to check your tire pressure is when the tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on or exposed to heat.

A hot tire can be up to 8 PSI higher than its cold value, so it’s important that you do not check them when they’re warm.

It’s also important to note what recommended PSI you should have for your vehicle—if you don’t know what yours is, ask us here at [our shop]!

What Are Some Ways I Can Save Money On Car Maintenance In The Future?

There are several ways you can save yourself money in the long run by investing in car maintenance now.

The easiest, of course, is to get a tune-up at least once a year. An annual checkup will ensure that your vehicle’s engine is running at its optimal level, which will extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

If you’re going to be driving for more than 5 years, another thing to consider is changing your oil with synthetic lubricant instead of regular petroleum-based oil.

Synthetic lubricants provide better protection from wear due to heat and friction and can improve fuel economy by up to 15%.

If you’re not sure what kind of lubricant is right for your car’s needs, consult with an expert before making a purchase choice!

While some may think this sounds like an expensive proposition at first glance (because let’s face it—it does), rotating your tires every 5 thousand miles can save big bucks over time by extending their lifespan significantly beyond what they would last otherwise! This means fewer replacement costs down the road when those tires finally give out on ya’!

Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Method	Description
Regular Maintenance	Schedule routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks to prolong the life of your car and prevent costly repairs down the road.
DIY Repairs	Learn how to do minor repairs yourself, such as changing the air filter or replacing a dead battery, instead of paying for a mechanic to do it.
Use High-Quality Parts	Invest in high-quality parts when making repairs or replacements to avoid future issues and the need for additional maintenance. Brands such as Bosch, Denso, and NGK offer reliable and long-lasting parts.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated	Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure to improve fuel efficiency, prolong tire life, and prevent costly premature wear.
Drive Responsibly	Practice safe driving habits, such as avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, to reduce wear and tear on your car’s components.

Note: Prices for parts can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Always refer to your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to car maintenance, but these questions represent the most common ones people ask about.

If you have any other questions about your vehicle, don’t hesitate to ask us! We’re always happy to help out.

FAQs

How often should I change my oil?

Experts recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but it can vary depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.

How often should I replace my tires?

It’s generally recommended to replace your tires every 50,000 to 60,000 miles, but check the tread depth periodically to make sure they’re still safe to drive on.

How often should I get a tune-up?

Modern cars don’t generally require a traditional “tune-up” like older models did. However, you should still have your car inspected regularly and follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

How often should I replace my brakes?

Brake pads typically last around 40,000 miles, but it may vary depending on your driving habits. Have your brakes inspected regularly to determine when it’s time for replacement.

How often should I change my transmission fluid?

It’s generally recommended to change transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines as it can vary depending on the vehicle.

Hellen James

Hello friends. My name is Hellen James and I’m here to help you make good decisions when it comes to buying, selling, and maintaining your vehicles.

The Most Common Car Maintenance Questions, Answered By The Pros