Top 5 Auto Service Mistakes People Make

Neglecting necessary maintenance or ignoring warning signs of something amiss can lead to being stranded or needing significant repairs to correct an issue that could have been easier to remedy if caught early. Deferred maintenance can also lead to accidents. While today’s modern vehicles are more complex, there are maintenance checks and other ways all drivers can detect potential issues.

Dealerships encounter many issues that stem from a lack of maintenance or ignored warning signs. Find out about the top five maintenance mistakes and how to handle those issues or prevent them from happening. Proper maintenance is a combination of do-it-yourself tasks and relying on a professional.

Not Maintaining the Correct Fluid Levels

Significant engine damage can occur if oil and coolant levels aren’t monitored. Slow leaks of oil or coolant may not be apparent, but they can deplete the amount of fluid to unsafe levels over time. Transmission fluid levels that are too low can also lead to significant damage. Power steering fluid loss can lead to poor steering performance and cause damage to the power steering pump and other components over time. Like power steering fluid, brake fluid levels that are too low can lead to poor performance or failure. Low brake fluid usually indicates worn brakes or a leak.

Watch for unusual leaks under your vehicle, suspicious smells like oil that may leak onto the exhaust system, or a sweet smell from leaking coolant. Follow your owner’s manual for checking oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels.

Neglecting Your Brakes and Tires

Not paying attention to the parts of your car that are essential to make it stop and go can lead to safety issues and costly repairs. Brakes and tires must be in good shape to maintain your vehicle’s safe operation. There are signs of potential issues you can often spot when driving and problems you can see when inspecting your car.

Excessively worn brakes can lead to poor stopping ability or failure, steering issues, and damage to other components. Worn brake pads or shoes can lead to damaged rotors and drums, as well as the loss of hydraulic systems. Catching worn parts before they lead to further damage can save money and prevent unsafe operating conditions. A squeaking noise or grinding when braking, a brake pedal that pulsates or goes too far to the floor, pulling to one side, or other unusual behavior are all signs that can indicate worn brakes. Changes in brake performance should be investigated promptly.

Neglected tires can lead to blowouts, poor steering, and reduced gas mileage. Watch for wobbly or uneven performance that could indicate worn tires. Be sure to have tires rotated as recommended by your owner’s manual and keep your tires properly inflated. Watch for wear like thinning tread or cracks, as well as bulges on the track or sidewalls.

Ignoring Warning Lights on Your Dashboard

Ignoring red warning lights on your dash can lead to extensive damage or even being stranded. Overheated engines, low oil pressure, and battery lights merit immediate attention. Overheated engines can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Coolant loss from a broken hose, bad water pump, cracked radiator, or other culprits can cause the temperature gauge to reach H. Continuing to drive with a temperature warning light on can make a minor repair become an engine replacement.

Low oil pressure can quickly lead to extensive damage as well. Oil loss, oil pump failure, and other issues can keep oil from lubricating your engine and lead to extensive damage. While a battery light doesn’t mean extensive damage could occur, it does indicate an alternator, battery, or electrical issue that could soon leave you stranded. A failing alternator can cause a breakdown in a short time. Brake warning lights may indicate low brake fluid caused by a leak.

Other lights, like the Check Engine light, don’t indicate an emergency but rather flag an issue that should be dealt with soon. Such lights may also indicate problems with tire pressure, air bags, antilock braking systems, and other components.

Skipping Routine Maintenance

As recommended by the manufacturer, neglecting regular maintenance is a common culprit behind extensive repairs. Waiting too long between oil changes can lead to extensive damage, as oil gets dirty and loses its lubricating properties over time. Oil levels can also drop to unsafe levels. Regular oil changes are an excellent opportunity to have multi-point inspections done, tires rotated, and issues addressed. Check your owner’s manual for other recommended maintenance, including transmission fluid and filter changes, air and cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, and other services.

DIY Attempts With Inferior or Incorrect Parts

While proper car maintenance is a DIY endeavor, some repairs are best left to a qualified professional. It’s good to develop knowledge about how your car’s systems function and troubleshoot potential issues, but analyzing and determining what needs to be done is often difficult. A DIY-er could inadvertently replace functioning parts, mechanics may have extra work correcting incomplete or incorrectly done repairs, and they may have additional damage to correct. Instead of driving to the shop, failed repairs could mean calling a tow truck.

Trying to cut corners by biting off more than you can chew on a repair or not getting the correct part can lead to performance issues, safety problems, or further damage. Some repairs require specialized knowledge and tools, especially on today’s high-tech vehicles. Consult the owner’s manual, repair manual, or other reliable sources before attempting DIY maintenance or repair work.

Consult Meadowland of Carmel

Following recommended maintenance is an excellent way to avoid these five top maintenance mistakes. Proper vehicle maintenance begins with the owner, making sure recommended maintenance is done and watching for any potential issues that could lead to breakdowns or safety risks.

Meadowland GMC of Carmel can help keep your vehicle in top shape by handling recommended maintenance and making repairs promptly in its fully equipped service center. Contact us for expert advice, maintenance, and repairs. You can find us at 1952 Route 6 in Carmel, New York, or reach our service department at 845-208-0575, or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.

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