Preventive Maintenance in Hollis & Biddeford, ME

It is crucial to check your oil and coolant levels every month and so and particularly if you need to take a longer road trip. Keeping the right oil and coolant levels can help keep the engine cool. Low levels of these fluids can result in serious engine damage and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The car’s motor oil helps to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, keeps the engine cool, prevents engine corrosion, and stops debris from entering the engine. Depending on the oil you choose and the make and model of your car, you may need to change your oil as well as the oil filter every three months or every 3,000 miles or so. 

However, for some newer cars, you will need to change oil less frequently, typically between 5,000 to 10,000 miles. In most cases, the oil filter will need to be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.

We can help determine whether your car needs an oil change and perform it accordingly.

The air filter in your engine prevents debris and dust and allows the proper amount of air to flow into the engine. By ensuring that your air filter is working properly, you can increase fuel efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, decrease emissions, and ensure a long engine life.

Bring your car around to us so that we can ensure that your air filter is undamaged and in good working condition. Typically, your air filter will need to be changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

It is important to check the pressure in your tire as frequently as possible, particularly before you decide to go on longer trips or carry an extra-heavy load in your car. Always keep a spare tire in case of an emergency. You can use a tire pressure gauge to check whether your tires have the right air pressure.

Keep in mind that during the colder days, the pressure in your tire will drop one pound for every 10 degrees in temperature. You can consult with us to know how much tire pressure your car needs in these months.

A wheel balancing and alignment inspection needs to be done every six months or about 6,000 miles. Routine wheel balancing will ensure that the car’s weight is distributed evenly around the axle and your vehicle remains steady and safe on the road. 

A wheel alignment will make sure that your tires are perfectly aligned with each other, which will increase fuel efficiency and driver comfort.

You do not need to check your battery as often as other components of your car. However, make sure you get it checked if it has been at least three years since you have had your last battery test or if your car is having difficulty starting up. A dead battery can leave you stranded at the most inopportune times.

A little bit of battery care can go a long way and help your car to run longer and stronger.

If you are experiencing battery problems, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Spark plugs are instrumental in starting your car; however, these plugs may become damaged due to wear and tear and extreme temperature.

Although spark plugs do not require maintenance as often as other components of the car, they should never be neglected. That’s why checking your spark plugs every 30,000 miles is important.

Your vehicle’s serpentine belt plays a crucial role in powering various components, such as the alternator, power steering system, air conditioner compressor, and water pump (in older vehicles). It is responsible for charging your car’s battery, supplying power to electrical systems, enabling vehicle control, and facilitating air and engine cooling. Hence, the serpentine belt holds significant importance. If you notice a squealing sound, it indicates that the belt is slipping and requires replacement.