How Your Auto Mechanic in Gary, IN Can Help Make Your Car Last a Lifetime

November 2, 2017 10:39 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Cars are a significant investment—and you want your investment to last. Modern vehicles are made to do just that. An engine with 100,000 miles on it is no longer considered ancient or on its last leg. In fact, vehicles can last up to 300,000 miles, but the key is proper maintenance. By taking your car to an auto mechanic in Gary, IN for regular tune-ups, you may be able to enjoy the same car for a lifetime.

It’s important to realize this proper maintenance involves more than keeping up with oil changes. To effectively extend the life of your vehicle, use the following maintenance tips.

Go synthetic

It costs a little more, but synthetic motor oil and a high-quality filter can extend the life of your engine. Synthetic oils remain more fluid during extremely cold temperatures. They are also less likely to degrade in very hot temperatures. It may be challenging to pay the cost up front, but pricier oil changes are still cheaper than buying a new car every few years!

Inspect coolant

Every 20,000 miles, check your coolant. If the coolant in your reservoir is dark red, smells burnt or feels gritty to the touch, you may have rust in your coolant system. This can prevent proper coolant flow and cause engine overheating and failure. If the coolant looks milky, this means motor oil is leaking into the coolant and service should be performed immediately.

Check fluids

You should also check power steering and brake fluids every 20,000 miles. If your mechanic discovers discolored or gritty fluids, this can indicate that water is in the system or the fluid has overheated. Your technician can recommend whether the fluids should be replaced or if there is an underlying issue that should also be addressed.

Maintain transmission

Every 35,000 miles, replace the transmission fluid and filter. While this rate is more frequent than most owner’s manuals recommend, it can significantly reduce your chances of more extensive transmission work down the line. Paying a couple hundred dollars every 35,000 miles for a smooth ride is preferable to paying a few thousand for a new transmission.

Inspect belt

Your car’s timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and the camshaft. If the belt snaps, your engine could be destroyed. Bring your vehicle to an auto mechanic in Gary, IN for regular inspection of your timing belt. Typically, the belt should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Squeeze hoses

Check your radiator hoses every 20,000 miles with a little squeeze. Do they feel firm and resilient? Great. Do they feel mushy and soft, or brittle and cracked? Replace them. This is a very minor repair but can save your car from major damage. If a hose breaks, your engine can overheat or even fail completely.

Some of these checks are simple and can be performed in your own garage. However, it’s always best to have your vehicle serviced by trained professionals. Bring your car to an auto mechanic in Gary, IN for regular maintenance. This expert service will extend the life of your vehicle and help you enjoy it for many years to come.

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