While you can perform simple maintenance and repair on your Kia from Rio Rancho, you can only do so much to keep it road-worthy. Soon, you must take it to a service center for a more thorough check. It’s different when professional mechanics do the tune-ups because they have the required expertise and facilities. But the question is, how often does your vehicle need it? It depends on several factors, such as your vehicle’s age and model and your preferred approach.
Why are model and age important?
Just as mobile devices’ longevity varies from brand to brand, cars of different brands also last at different rates. That’s because each brand (even though they use almost the same materials as other brands) may have a diverse network of suppliers. And sometimes, the materials they use are of different grades and qualities.
Age is also important when considering how frequently your car should get a professional service. You can maintain a brand new vehicle at longer intervals than a pre-owned one, although the latter depreciates more slowly in terms of value. Handling and preventive care may also play a part.
Age or mileage? You choose.
You must understand that each component of your Kia from Rio Rancho ages and wears out differently. For instance, drive belts usually last for one to three months before you start seeing signs of wear, while engine air filters can last up to a year. Your car’s battery might show signs of rusting after six months, while it might take a year before you start hearing screeching noises from the brakes. This rate can be narrower or broader, depending on how you drive and take care of your car.
Simply put, you can schedule regular maintenance based on your car parts’ deterioration rate. List all the essential parts and group them according to their durability. Your maintenance schedule should indicate which parts the mechanic must focus on during each visit. For example, fluids, such as motor oil and coolant, usually require a monthly check. On the other hand, the suspension and exhaust system may not require inspection until after six months.
Or, if you find the durability-based maintenance routine complicated, you can consider a mileage-based one. This is easier since you’ll be monitoring your car’s health as a whole, and your primary basis is mileage. Just follow what most mechanics refer to as the 30-60-90 rule, which means you must take your vehicle in for professional servicing every 30,000 miles. It’s more efficient, but considering you’ll be overusing specific components that should only last for several thousand miles, this may not be the best option.
Preventive care and the right service provider
All these expert suggestions are not absolute. You can do certain things to extend your car’s life further while performing maintenance less regularly. For instance, you can avoid using your vehicle to tow or carry heavy loads, quit stopping and going abruptly, and avoid short trips. It also helps to choose the right service center to take care of your car. A reputable service provider has the expertise and facilities to do all necessary fine-tuning work on your car. Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
