4 Mistakes to Avoid When Servicing Your Car - AllCarIndex

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Servicing Your Car

Jan 28, 2025

For vehicles to perform at their best, regular preventative maintenance is essential. While maintenance schedules can vary, every car needs care to promote a longer lifespan. Yet, keeping up with routine maintenance can be challenging.

Beyond the financial costs, daily responsibilities often make it difficult to follow the guidance provided in owner’s manuals. To help you stay organized and proactive, here are some common car maintenance mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Ignoring Tire Pressure

Many people forget to check their tire pressure, assuming the tires are properly inflated based on appearance. However, tires that look fine could still be underinflated, which can impact fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Air pressure can decrease easily, sometimes from something as simple as hitting a pothole, and is also affected by changes in temperature, dropping 1 to 2 lbs. for every 10° decrease. Regularly checking your tire pressure is essential to ensure your tires are safe and efficient since low pressure isn’t always noticeable at first glance.

Neglecting to Replace the Oil

Regular oil changes are essential, particularly for maintaining reliability, as they ensure the oil can effectively remove residue and debris from the engine. Fresh oil is much better at keeping your engine clean, while old, dirty oil eventually loses this capability.

Prolonged intervals without an oil change can lead to residue buildup within the engine, potentially impacting its performance. This buildup might result in decreased fuel efficiency and elevated emissions, and in more severe cases, it can lead to damage to internal engine components.

You may wonder, does it matter where you service, especially for brands like BMW? Yes, it does. Trusting a trained professional who understands the specific needs of your vehicle is crucial for proper maintenance and preventing costly mistakes.

Neglecting to Monitor Fluid Levels

Fluids are essential for keeping your car running smoothly. Without brake fluid, coolant, oil, or water, your vehicle wouldn’t get far, issues could arise as soon as you try to start it. Be sure to regularly check and top up your fluids, and always inform your mechanic about any unusual changes in the types of fluids used or how often they need refilling. For instance, if your oil level is dropping faster than usual, it could be a sign of a potential leak that needs attention.

Neglecting Battery Care

Car batteries help start your engine and power the vehicle's electrical systems. To avoid unexpected issues, they require consistent monitoring. One common oversight in battery care is neglecting to clean and secure the terminals, which can cause poor electrical connections, starting problems, or even system failures.

Most car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years, but following simple maintenance practices can extend their usability. Regularly checking for corrosion, ensuring the battery is securely mounted to minimize vibrations, and maintaining tight connections are key steps. These preventive measures not only ensure reliable starts and proper functioning of electrical components but also significantly contribute to the overall health and durability of your car. 

Endnote

Taking care of your car is essential to keep it running smoothly and safely for years. Sticking to regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes can help you prevent costly repairs while extending your vehicle's lifespan.