The Basics of Automotive Factory Scheduled Maintenance

All vehicles require a certain degree of care and upkeep to ensure proper vehicle performance and longevity.  In order to achieve optimal car and truck driving conditions, a person should take their vehicle to a licensed mechanic for regular scheduled maintenance services, as suggested by the manufacturer.  There are several different options when it comes to routine maintenance for cars and trucks; from oil changes to upholstery conditioning, the services are endless.  Among all vehicle care and maintenance services, there are some that are mandatory, rather than cosmetic. 

Continue reading to learn the basics surrounding the common factory scheduled maintenance services recommended for cars and trucks.

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Indianapolis Auto Repair and Service 317-475-1846

Oil Changes

All vehicles that run on gasoline require oil changes.  If a car or truck owner fails to change the oil, the oil burns up and several problems can occur.  Overheating engines, engine sludge, and loss of horsepower performance are all consequences of poor oil maintenance.  The oil is what keeps all the metallic parts running smoothly in the engine. Without this lubrication, friction and heat can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. It is recommended to get your car or truck’s oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  Different oils and engines involve slightly different requirements.  Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for an exact mileage. 

Car Battery Replacement

A car or truck will not run on a dead or dying battery.  Automotive battery replacement is mandatory maintenance unless you drive an electric car.  Fortunately, car batteries tend to last for a while; only requiring a change every few years.  It all depends on how a person drives, where they live, the condition of the charging system, and much more.  When a battery finally dies, the vehicle simply stops running.  There is rarely any sign that a battery is close to giving out.

In other circumstances, a car or truck battery can be wasted away, requiring the battery to be re-charged; rather than replaced.  Accidentally leaving the headlights on overnight, running the engine in a stationary position for too long, and overall poor vehicle maintenance are all capable of burning out a car battery.  Fortunately, replacement is affordable because car batteries are generally less than fifty dollars and you can even install it on your own.

Fluid Flushes and Re-Fills

There are various fluids and liquids in a car or truck that need to be flushed and replaced on a regular basis.  For example, motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid all need changed and replaced every so often.  An owner’s manual will contain information and recommendations on when to change each fluid.  These recommendations are usually just the bare minimum the keep a vehicle’s warranty in effect.  In other circumstances, a person may need to change a certain fluid more often than another, depending on driving habits and other variables.

Tire Rotation and Balancing

Tires and wheels are important components on cars and trucks for obvious reasons, which is why their maintenance is absolutely mandatory.  Regular tire rotating and balancing ensure a safer drive, as well as, a better performing vehicle.  A good way to determine when to have your tires and wheels serviced is to have it done every two or three oil changes.  Think about the amount of driving you do and the age of your vehicle.  This and more will define when to rotate and balance your tires.

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6 Signs That Suggest You Need Alternator Repair

If you tried to turn your car on this morning, but all you got were a series of loud clicks, perhaps you are convinced it is a dead battery. However, it could also be your alternator, which is more likely the case if your car battery is still fairly new. If you suspect that your alternator is in trouble, your first step is to take a closer look to see if you can detect any signs a failing alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 most evident signs that an alternator needs to be repaired or replaced.

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An alternator is an important automotive parts because it is the energy base for the entire vehicle. Alternators basically provide the necessary electricity to all the various electrically-controlled components in a vehicle. It supplies the energy to start the engine, charge the battery, and power up all other electrical components.

Over time, parts of the alternator can begin to tarnish or wear down. Things like brushes, rotors, and other internal parts must be replaced periodically. It is best to refer to your car’s owners’ manual for factory recommended instructions for alternator maintenance. In the meantime, it is wise to learn how your car will tell you the alternator has gone bad.

Usually, they do this by demonstrating these 6 signs:

Dead Battery

As mentioned, one of the most common signs of a failing alternator is a dead battery, which is another reason why a failing alternator is misinterpreted as a car battery problem so often. When an alternator is malfunctioning, the battery must use a lot of extra energy, which quickly depletes its power.

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it could mean a lot of different things. For this reason, you must have your vehicle diagnostically tested by a professional to determine the exact cause. However, a failing alternator is a possible reason why a check engine light might illuminate.

Engine Stalls

If your engine is stalling on your every time you try to drive your vehicle from one destination to another, you may very well have an alternator problem on your hands. As mentioned, alternators supply the energy needed to start engines and keep them running.

Dimmed Lights

Do your interior and exterior lights seem less bright than they normally do? Headlights, ceiling lights, stereo lights, and dashboards lights are all powered by the energy your alternator supplies. So when the alternator is malfunctioning, the lights are usually one of the first components to be affected.

Electrical Malfunctions

As with dimmed lights, additional electrical malfunctions are often an indication of alternator issues. Things like power seats, power windows, GPS, stereo, radio, and screen displays can begin to have problems, or stop working entirely.

Strange Sounds

As with most internal automotive problems, strange noises are usually a common red flag. When your car does not sound like it usually does, both while it’s in idle and when it’s running, it could be a sign that your alternator needs to be repaired.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for specialized alternator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, coupons, car care advice, and more. Request a free estimate, today.