How Often Should You Service Your Car?

April 21, 2022

When it comes to your car, maintenance is the biggest factor in determining the long-term reliability of the vehicle. It’s no secret that dealerships make the majority of their money off their service department. This leads to one of the most often asked questions a mechanic Greenville NC hears: how often do I actually need to service my car? Understanding the key aspects of determining how often you need to do maintenance with your vehicle can help your investment last longer.

Oil Type

The type of oil, as well as the type of vehicle, are potentially the biggest determining components of your maintenance interval. When it comes to the oil you use, synthetic oil can go a considerable distance between oil changes, often up to 10,000 miles. Regular oil however should not be driven over 5,000 miles before an oil change. Asking your mechanic Greenville NC can keep you from using the incorrect oil for your vehicle.

Another determining factor is your vehicle type. While the aforementioned mileage guidelines generally suit most cars, they don’t necessarily suit trucks. When it comes to trucks, especially diesel trucks, the mileage is not the only factor you need to take into account. Both your towing and idle time can have a significant impact on your oil and maintenance intervals. If towing heavy on a regular basis, or having significant idle time, you should change your oil more often as your truck is working harder than driving a regular car would.

Filters

Another big component of your maintenance cycle is the type of filters your vehicle uses. The two most common and important filters are the oil filter as well as the fuel filter. Again depending on your vehicle type, these can vary drastically. For standard cars, several manufacturers recommend these are changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. For diesel trucks, due to fuel contaminants and the nature of diesel fuel, fuel filters need to be changed every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. If you are unsure of which filter your vehicle needs, speaking with a Greenville Tire specialist can help ensure you get the right filter every time.

Pugh’s Tire & Service Centers | Greenville Tire

Whether you have a car or truck, maintenance is one of the most crucial aspects of your vehicle. Ensuring you have regular oil and filter changes, as well as regular multi-point inspections by a mechanic Greenville NC can have a drastic impact on the longevity of your vehicle. We at Pugh’s Tire & Service Centers can perform a wide variety of vehicle maintenance tasks. Whether you need an oil change or a filter replacement, we have you covered! Give us a call today or check out our website for more information.