Car Care Tips for New Car Owners

Posted on April 12, 2021 by autorepair

Whether you are 16 years old and brand new to independent driving, or a first-time new car owner, your top priority should be safe driving. But there is more to being a safe driver other than skill and knowledge; it is equally important to know how to take good care of your vehicle and stay on top of routine maintenance. This ensures optimal performance and efficiency, which in turn supports safer driving. As a newbie to automotive responsibility, it is strongly encouraged to review and understand the basics of car care, and then keep up with your vehicle’s factory scheduled services.

Continue below to learn some fundamental car care tips for new car owners.

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The Importance of Routine Car Care

If you want to be the safest driver you can possibly be, then you will need to add routine car maintenance to your list of priorities. Regular car care allows your vehicle to perform its best and last much longer. Routine and proper car care can also reduce the frequency or likelihood of mechanic expenses for costly breakdowns and auto part replacements.

Although the detailed factory scheduled maintenance checklist varies depending on the type of driver you are and your car’s make and model, there are a few basic services and needs that all car owners will need to implement in order to maintain a safe and reliable vehicle. From fluid changes and radiator flushes to tune-ups, wiper replacements, and more, you can be a better driver if you take good care of your car.

Recommended Automotive Services for All Car Owners

► Fluid Changes

Your car uses several fluids, seven in fact. They all need to be swapped out or refilled regularly for optimal performance and longevity. These include motor oil, radiator fluid (coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid (usually just water), and windshield wiper fluid. Refer to your owners’ manual, or look it up online, to see how often all of these need to be replaced. As for wiper fluid, you can often detect the need for a refill yourself. As for oil changes, the average recommendation is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but this can vary depending on how often you drive and other factors.

► Battery Service

You can expect to have your car battery replaced every 7,500 miles or so, which is usually around 48 months. You will likely start to see the signs of a failing battery, such as dimming lights, stalled engine, and sluggish performance. Be sure you always have a set of jumper cables in your trunk so that you can jump start the battery if it dies.

► Tire Care

Your tires are arguably one of the most important exterior features of a car. After all, they make actual contact with the road, while providing traction to keep there, and in control. For this reason, it is important to take good care of your car tires with routine rotation and balancing, as well as regular tire pressure inspections and air refills. Try to have your tires serviced every 6 months, or every 7,500 miles.

► Brake Service

Along with your tires, your brakes are also vital automotive components necessary for safety. Be sure to have your brakes checked and serviced every year. A typical automotive brake inspection should include an inspection of all lights, hoses, lines, and electrical components, as well as cleaning, brake fluid replenishment, vehicle alignment, brake pad replacement, brake rotor replacement, and a test drive.

► Engine Inspections and Tune Ups

Along with your routine oil change, your engine will need a basic inspection and a few tweaks, and perhaps even a little cleaning, while it’s in the shop. This level of engine service should be done at least once every year.

► Exterior Car Care

It is also important to keep your car clean. Neglecting to wash your car regularly will subject it to years of piled up residue, which can cause paint erosion, rust, and more. This type of damage will also have a devastating impact on a vehicle’s overall resale value. Of course, it is also recommended to keep the inside of your car clean as much as possible for optimal driving safety.

Does your car need some routine maintenance? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for superior, ASE licensed auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We service all make and model vehicles.

You Should Also Read:

How to Jump Start a Car Battery
Collective Car Care Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
Car Tire FAQS

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Northeast Auto Service Guarantees the Lowest Auto Repair Prices in Indy

Posted on January 18, 2019 by autorepair

When you need automotive repair services, look no further than Northeast Auto in Indianapolis, Indiana! We offer the best deals and most competitive prices for automotive services in town. Our highly trained and ASE licensed mechanics are extensively trained and experienced in the automotive repair industry. We service and repair all make and model vehicles, from old to new, foreign or domestic!

You can trust that you are receiving the most professional and comprehensive car repair and service when you visit Northeast Auto in Indianapolis! Continue below to learn more about what we have to offer!

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On top of having the lowest car repair prices and service rates in town, Northeast Auto also offers automotive repair and service coupons! That’s right! Not only are you going to be quoted a very competitive and low rate for your car repair service, you can use one of their many coupons or monthly deals in conjunction!

This means you are sure to pay the lowest rate for the auto repair you need in Indianapolis. Our coupons are good for factory scheduled maintenance, like oil and fluid changes, as well as, major engine work, brake repair, tire services, and more!

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional Indianapolis auto repair and service you can trust. We have been helping Hoosiers repair and maintenance their vehicles for over 20 years, while offering affordable prices and reliable work. You can schedule a free inspection and estimate, anytime! We can even assist with tows! Don’t forget to mention one of our auto repair coupons or discounts to get the best deal in town.

Does Factory Scheduled Maintenance for Cars and Trucks Differ?

Posted on June 11, 2015 by autorepair

Although there are a few notable differences between truck maintenance and car maintenance, they are relatively the same. Any motor vehicle requires the same degree of basic maintenance in order to keep the engine running, reduce repair costs, and uphold safe driving conditions. Always refer to your vehicle’s owners’ manual for recommended maintenance schedules. This will give you the information you need to set-up a proper schedule for your particular car or truck.

Don’t stop at manuals if you really want factory scheduled maintenance information. Utilize books, the internet, and even local car mechanics for additional advice and information regarding car and truck maintenance. Continue reading to learn more about the difference between car and truck maintenance schedules, and who to call for automotive service advice you can trust.

Car and Truck Maintenance

There are seven essential fluids every vehicle needs to operate safely, effectively, and dependably. This includes motor oil, coolant, and fluids like windshield wiper, brake, transmission, power steering, and battery fluid. The difference in fluid maintenance between a car and truck is frequency, as well as, the type of oil used. A car will only require fluid checks and changes every three to six months, where a truck will require them more often since they are larger and drive on rugged terrains. Trucks are usually driven at tougher levels for work and labor purposes, so their fluid gets hotter and burns faster than cars. This means they might also need heavy-duty motor oils and more.

Another difference involves filters. Oil filters and air filters protect the engine by catching grease, dirt, debris, and more; so they need swapped out every 10,000 miles or so if you drive a car. As for trucks, these filters collect even more dirt, grease, and debris, which means they need to be replaced on a more frequent basis. This is especially important for trucks that drive on rough terrain or off-road regularly.

Since trucks are larger and heavier, and usually carry cargo, they require proper tire inflation. This ensures even weight distribution and allows trucks to better navigate rough terrain like construction sites, gravel, dirt, and more.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for car and truck maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed mechanics with decades of experience in the automotive service and repair industry. Our highly trained technicians provide repairs, services, maintenance, and more for all make and model vehicles. We offer auto repair coupons, as well as, the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-475-1846 for professional automotive repair service in Indianapolis, IN today.

Recommended Car Maintenance Schedule

Posted on April 24, 2015 by autorepair

Most vehicles are manufactured and designed to have a lifespan of at least ten to fifteen years. But this doesn’t happen without a little effort and initiative. Routine car maintenance is imperative for optimal vehicular performance and longevity. You cannot expect your car or truck to stand the test of time without regular scheduled vehicular maintenance and care. Fluids, tires, auto parts, and more all require specific services within a particular time schedule.

The first place to look for your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is the owners’ manual. You can find all the information you need about factory scheduled maintenance and troubleshooting problems for your vehicle. Continue reading to grasp a general idea of which factory scheduled maintenance services your vehicle needs, and when you should be outsourcing those services to better protect your asset.

3,000 Miles

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In order to keep your engine in optimal condition, the motor oil needs refilled on a regular basis, and the oil filters need replaced at the same time. Since your car engine is one of the most expensive and valuable components in your vehicle, it is in your best interest to change the oil and oil filter in order to avoid engine problems and costly repairs.

It is also important to replace the spark plug after changing your motor oil, and refill the coolant as well. These tasks should be done every three thousand miles or every three months, whichever comes first. This is just a general rule and should be adjusted according to the amount and type of driving you do.

7,000 Miles

Once you have reached seven thousand miles, or around 6 or 7 months, you need to have your tires serviced. This involves a tire rotation, balancing, break pad replacements (if needed), brake rotor inspections and replacements (if needed), and even tire replacement, if needed. Another maintenance task that should be done at the 7,000 mile interval is battery replacement. Your car battery may need recharging, servicing, upgrading, or even replacing at this point of the year.

Annually

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One time per year, your vehicle should be inspected all over, like a check-up. This is because at this point, it will need a few services. First, the transmission fluid needs flushed and refilled, and the actual transmission should be examined for leaks. Next, your vehicle will need a few filters replaced, like the air filter and the carbon canister filter. At this point, it is probably time to have your brakes re-serviced or inspected too.

30,000 Miles

Every 30,000 miles, or two years, your vehicle needs a bit more attention. It needs all the above services already mentioned, in combination with several more. This includes an auto tune-up, brake fluid replacement, spark plug replacement, brake rotor replacement, transfer case fluid replacement, wire and distribution cap replacement, and much more. At this point, it is best to have a licensed mechanic undertake all of these factory scheduled maintenance tasks for liable and professional results.

60,000 Miles

After four or five years, your vehicle will probably have a few parts that need repaired or replaced. Be sure to have any defective auto parts repaired right away to avoid more costly repairs down the road. And be sure to keep up with all the other regular scheduled maintenance tasks your vehicle requires.

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Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for affordable car maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly trained and ASE licensed car mechanics with decades of experience in the automotive service industry. We offer a wide range of auto repair services for all make and model vehicles. Call 317-475-1846 for information about our Indianapolis factory scheduled maintenance prices and current specials, today.