Car Repair: When to Take Your Ride in For Repairs

Car Repair

If you haven’t been keeping up with your car repairs, there’s a good chance that your vehicle is overdue for service. But when exactly does your vehicle need service from a qualified car mechanic, and how can you tell what car repair shops you can trust in the Austin, TX, area?

For anyone looking for answers about car repairs and maintenance, Lamb’s Tire and Automotive is here to help. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of car repair scheduling. Read on to make sure your car receives the attention and quality care it deserves.

Why Are Driving Habits Important?

When it’s time to figure out a maintenance schedule for your car, the first step is simple. Think about how you usually drive. Depending on the conditions your car deals with regularly, it may need either “regular” or “severe” service.

Despite its intimidating name, severe service doesn’t mean the way you drive is dangerous. Instead, it indicates that your car may need extra attention due to several different factors. These factors can include traveling on roads that are in rough shape, taking short trips often, dealing with extreme heat or cold, and even getting stuck in traffic jams.

Building Your Car Repair Schedule

If you believe your vehicle may need severe service, we advise you to check your car’s user manual. There, you can find a schedule already laid out for this type of car maintenance. On the other hand, if you need regular service, this guide can also be an excellent place to start.

Minor Fixes

Luckily, not every type of car maintenance will cost you a fortune. As an example, wiper maintenance is both cheap and easy to plan for. Every 6,000 miles, check your blades and after every other oil change, we recommend replacing them.

Another inexpensive way to maintain your car is by replacing its spark plugs. It would be best to replace these plugs with new, OEM-compatible ones after they’ve reached about 80 percent of their maximum interval.

Regular Expenses

For many standard car repair services, it’s critical to keep track of how many miles you’ve driven. Some are easier to remember, like replacing your car’s air filter every 10,000 miles. But while you may have heard that you’ll need oil changes every 3,000 miles, this can vary. Be sure to take into account the type of oil you use and your car’s overall condition.

In addition, it might help to buy a spare tire, so you’ll be prepared in the event that you get a flat! In the longer term, replace your tires after the tread depth exceeds 4/32” (if you drive regularly), or at least once a decade (if you do not drive often).

Mid-Level Repairs

Every so often, you’ll need to find car repair shops to provide more in-depth—and expensive—services. These services are typically for your vehicle’s:

  • Alternator (after 7 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles)
  • Brake pads (after 30,000 to 60,000 miles)
  • Radiator (after eight to 10 years)
  • Starter (if you’re unable to start your car)
  • Wheel hub (after 85,000 to 100,000 miles)

Large-Scale Work

Finally, as a vehicle owner, there are some even more expensive services you’ll have to budget for. Still, some of these services (such as battery, shock, and fuel pump replacement) are less pricey than others (like replacing the A/C system, catalytic converter, and transmission).

Before you know it, you may find yourself in need of one or more of these services. Since procrastinating can only make the problem worse, it might be a good idea to start looking for a local car mechanic as soon as you notice an issue related to these components. By getting started right away, you can save money in the long run.

The Best Car Repair Shops in Austin

Regardless of what car maintenance services you need, Lamb’s Tire and Automotive is ready to help, so schedule an appointment today! If you’d like to learn more about Lamb’s Tire, take a closer look at our auto repair services and coupons that can help you save on your next repair.

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