Proper Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance
Written by Rick Walker
Keeler Motor Car Co.
Mercedes-Benz Service Manager

Many people think vehicle maintenance is simply changing the engine oil and filter at regular intervals and “you’re good to go”. I am aware of a few folks who don’t even do that, but I digress. While changing your engine oil and filter is a major part of proper vehicle maintenance it is just a “part” of it. There is a lot to keeping your car running properly and again there is more to vehicle maintenance than simply “keeping it running.” While changing the engine oil and filter will generally keep the internally lubricated engine parts maintained, what about the rest of the vehicle? Not everyone is spending much time thinking about tire maintenance, monitoring pressures and adjusting when necessary, consistent tire rotations, replacing tires when nearing the wear indicators and generally monitoring their physical condition, cracking, sidewall damage etc.

We all know enough to get to the service shop to have the brakes checked out when the warning light comes on but are we giving enough thought to what type of parts we are going to use or are we going to shop for the “cheapest” price? Using parts other than what was designed and engineered for your vehicle can have adverse effects such as extended stopping distance, increased squealing, shortened service life, vibration, and increased pedal effort to name a few.

What about the things that are not “wear items” and do not have regular inspection or replacement intervals? What are we doing to maintain the thousands of parts that make up the dozens of systems that work together to create this machine that is responsible to carry you and your loved ones from place to place, safely and comfortably in all kinds of weather? What about the suspension springs, drive shaft, control arms, differential, half shafts, heating and cooling system, exhaust system, etc. etc?

Simply changing the oil won’t cut it. You must have professionals inspect your car at regular intervals. Professionals who know what they are looking at and what to look for. Recognizing a minor problem and correcting it before it becomes a big one has tremendous value. No one knows your vehicle better than the people who made it. Following the manufacturer recommended service schedule will guarantee you will not suffer a break down due to your neglect and many times will head off potential break downs and unnecessary added expense.

At times there may be open service campaigns generated by the manufacturer for issues you couldn’t possibly be aware of and while all warranties eventually come to an end, having a strong service history can possibly earn you some compensation on a break down or repair even after your warranty has expired. I promise you will never receive this anywhere other than the manufacturer.

Vehicle maintenance is “looking after” your car, not just changing the oil. It is having it inspected by experts who know what they are doing with guidance and training from the manufacturer. It is not only replacing worn out “wear items” but keeping up with minor issues along the way to help avoid the major ones. It is using the correct manufacturer parts, many of which carry at least one year nationwide parts and labor warranty when installed at your dealer, to keep it performing to the level it was intended.

“Look after your vehicle, it will look after you”