A&P Specialties: Preventative Maintenance

You were probably told when you bought your first vehicle about the importance of preventative maintenance - but did you heed the advice? Or did your first car not last as long as you wanted it to? It’s never a great feeling when you have a costly bill that could have been prevented from just routine maintenance. 

At A&P Specialties our technicians know the importance of preventative maintenance and we want to keep you behind the wheel of your vehicles longer.

We Service the Following Brands

At A&P Specialties we provide a distinct and wide variety of services for the following brands: 

• Audi
• Porsche
• Volkswagen

Preventative Maintenance Service

We are big believers in preventative maintenance when it comes to extending the life of your vehicle. When we do a preventative maintenance service we do routine checks, services, and replacement of key components/parts before they fail. Our goal is to maintain the health of your car, improve safety, drive performance increase, and extend the lifespan. Doing regular preventative maintenance on your vehicle helps you avoid costly repairs, breakdowns, and improves your car's efficiency. 

What Is Preventative Maintenance For My Vehicle

Some key preventative maintenance pieces that our technicians recommend are: 

1. Regular Oil Changes: Fresh oil lubricates the engine components, reducing friction between moving parts. Over time, oil can become dirty and thick, making it less effective at reducing friction. Regular oil changes ensure the engine stays well-lubricated, minimizing wear and tear on internal parts.
2. Tire Maintenance: You never want to be stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire - and one of the best ways to prevent that is tire maintenance. Regular checks of your tires as well as the tire systems can help keep you safe on the road. 
3. Brake Inspections: Ever feel like you're pushing your foot all the way to the floor to stop or hear that annoying squealing sound every time you push down on the brake pedal? That’s your car's way of telling you it needs some TLC. Regular brake inspections are essential to keeping your vehicle safe. 
4. Fluid Checks and Refills: Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid all need regular checks and top-offs. Our technicians can check all your levels to be sure you don’t have leaks.
5. Air Filter Replacement: A clogged air filter reduces engine performance and fuel efficiency.
6. Battery Care: The worst feeling is being out and about and when you go to start your car it doesn’t turn over. Testing your battery regularly can ensure you don’t get stuck!
7. Belt and Hose Inspections: Worn-out belts or hoses can lead to engine failure or overheating.
8. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: This ensures clean air in the cabin and improves the efficiency of your HVAC system.
9. Spark Plug Replacement: Worn spark plugs can cause poor engine performance and reduce fuel efficiency.
   

What is preventative maintenance for my vehicle?

We recommend preventative maintenance appointments and you might be wondering what these involve. We service and, if needed, replace key components in your vehicle before they fail. By doing this routinely, we keep your car running smoothly and keep you safely on the roadways. Some of the key things we do are oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks.

How often should I do preventative maintenance on my car?

Preventative maintenance should be performed at regular intervals based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. Typically, this includes oil changes every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, tire rotations every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, and other inspections every 12,000 miles or once a year. You need to check your owner's manual for specific guidelines to make sure you stay on top of what your vehicle needs.

Why is preventative maintenance important?

Regular preventative maintenance helps identify potential issues early before they turn into major, expensive problems. It ensures that your vehicle runs efficiently, extends its lifespan, enhances safety, and helps maintain its value. We don’t want you losing money because you missed out on a check-up appointment!

Should I do preventative maintenance on a new car?

Yes! Even new cars need preventative maintenance to keep them in top condition. Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle runs efficiently, improves fuel economy, and helps maintain your car’s warranty and resale value.

What causes my car’s A/C to make strange noises?

Strange noises, such as whining, rattling, or squealing, can indicate an issue with the A/C compressor, blower motor, or belt. The noise might also come from a clogged or dirty cabin air filter or debris stuck in the system. One of our technicians can take a listen and get you back up and running!

Can preventative maintenance improve fuel efficiency?

Yes! Preventative maintenance tasks like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements can improve fuel efficiency. Keeping your vehicle in good condition reduces the strain on the engine, allowing it to run more efficiently and save on gas.