How Often Should You Get Your Vehicle Inspected?

Your vehicle is your investment, so like most drivers, it’s important to take good care of it. This may leave you wondering how often you should take your car in for servicing. Having your vehicle inspected doesn’t mean something is wrong, but an excellent way to check that major components are running efficiently. Regular vehicle maintenance protects you, other passengers, and your wallet in the long run. While most experts agree that if possible, you should consult your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule – how often you get your car serviced may not be as simple as that. Each individual driver has various factors that will determine what will be beneficial. Below are different variables that can affect the frequency of your vehicle inspections:

How old is your car? If you’re currently driving a newer vehicle, it may already have built-in vehicle maintenance reminders. The in-vehicle maintenance system in a newer vehicle will take your driving habits into account and alert you on your dashboard when servicing needs to get done. Older cars may not come with this function. And with age, comes experience on the road. An older vehicle may have more wear and tear that makes them more prone to mechanical issues. It would be a good idea for owners of older vehicles to have their car inspected during every oil change, and anytime you notice any unusual symptoms.

 Each automotive manufacturer has servicing recommendations based on each vehicle make and model. Their maintenance recommendations will differ depending on whether you’re operating your vehicle in normal or severe operating conditions. Conditions may be considered severe if you’re driving in climates that have extreme weather. Short trips with a lot of stop-and-go can wear your vehicle out quicker. Lastly, any cars that are towing or carrying heavy loads. These aspects may indicate that you should follow a more aggressive service schedule. However, if you drive under normal conditions, you should stick to a regular maintenance schedule.

 Whether you’re driving in normal or severe conditions, it’s best to stick to a regular schedule. Not getting your vehicle regularly serviced can result in poor handling, mechanical failures, and reduced fuel efficiency. When driving in normal driving conditions, your motor oil should be changed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. In contrast, brake flushes should occur every two years. As a rule of thumb, have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic at least once to twice a year. This will ensure all major and minor services are completed. Consistent inspections help you stay on top of any problems that may randomly creep up.

A routine vehicle inspection at Fast Lane European will include a bumper to bumper check of each system. We will check that all fluids are full and clean to give you an added peace of mind. If you need a vehicle inspection in San Jose, CA, bring your vehicle in we’d be happy to serve you.