When To Book Auto Service Near Me: Don’t Wait For Warning Signs

When’s the last time you scheduled an auto service for your vehicle? If your answer is “the last time something went wrong,” you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey cited by Daily Mail, 16% of drivers only ever schedule auto services when something goes wrong with their vehicle (Fisher, 2023).

But waiting for warning signs is a big mistake, one that could cost you thousands of dollars in future auto service fees, or even cost you your life!

Unfortunately, the Daily Mail study does not exist in isolation—on the contrary, there is plenty of research revealing how the majority of drivers are neglecting their manufacturers’ recommended maintenance schedule. For example, the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC) 2018 Omni Report found that:

• 1 in 3 drivers do not follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for annual alignment services, and 11% of drivers have never checked their alignment
• 70% of drivers do not complete monthly tire pressure checks and top-ups, and many of those who do go about it incorrectly, measuring tires when warm (20%) or overinflating to the maximum pressure level printed on the tire sidewall (37%)
• More than 4 in 10 drivers do not rotate their tires once every 6 months or after 10,000km of driving

Don’t make this same mistake and wait for warning signs before you seek service. While neglecting preventative maintenance might save you a few service fees over the short term, it will cost you a lot more in the form of:

• Accelerated wear-and-tear on suspension, braking, and steering systems
• Increased tread wear and “early tire retirement”
• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Loss of vehicle warranty coverage
• Loss of tire warranty coverage
• Increased risk of vehicle collision or hazardous driving incident due to performance drop-offs, undiagnosed issues, and abrupt system failures

When To Book Auto Service Near Me: Optimal Upkeep Schedule

At TIRECRAFT, we generally recommend the following maintenance schedule:

• Standard service and inspections every 5,000km / 3 months of driving
• Oil changes every 5,000km / 3 months of driving for standard oil
• Tire rotations every 10,000km / 6 months of driving
• Wheel balances every 20,000km / 12 months of driving
• Alignment checks and tuning every 20,000km / 12 months of driving
• Brake inspections every 20,000km / 12 months of driving
• Cooling system checks every 40,000km / 24 months of driving
• Engine service checks every 40,000km / 24 months of driving
• Transmission services every 40,000km / 24 months of driving

However, your optimal maintenance schedule will depend on your unique vehicle, driving habits, and weather conditions. And if you’ve never booked an auto service, you may be due for several system checks at once.

For best results, contact your TIRECRAFT technician to discuss your situation and get a personalized recommendation. Every consultation is free, so there’s no risk and nothing to lose.

Additionally, if you choose to schedule your auto service at one of our shops, we can help you save money by bundling multiple service fees together, helping you collect MyTIRECRAFT rewards points, and signing you up for free upkeep through the Advantage Plus program.

To learn more about how preventative maintenance benefits drivers, and get a free quote on any auto service, contact your local TIRECRAFT today.

References

Fisher, L. (2023, January 16). Thinking about skipping your next car service because of the cost? Don’t! It could actually help save you money. Daily Mail.

TRAC. (2018). 2018 Omni Report. Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.

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