Your Check Engine Light On? Time to Visit a Mechanic

Taking care of your vehicle is important to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Regular maintenance will also prevent unnecessary and costly repairs from popping up as well. What are some of the most common preventative steps car owners can take, though? For starters, getting a regular oil change and tire rotation can do wonders when it comes to keeping vehicles up and running.

A simple oil change can help improve a vehicle’s gas mileage. Additionally, because oil changes involve the removal of built-up sludge and particles in and around the engine, oil changes are necessary to help a vehicle’s engine function properly. According to mechanics and other car care experts, vehicle owners should get oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, or every four months. However, depending on the vehicle, the recommended time between oil changes may vary. Additionally, the time between oil changes using regular oil differs from oil changes using synthetic oil. Owners who are unsure of their vehicle’s oil change schedule should consult with their manufacturer’s recommendations.

In addition to an oil changes, regular tire rotations are another easy and affordable way to keep a vehicle running smoothly. Most vehicles benefit from getting tire rotations every 7,500 miles unless the manufacturer’s recommendation differs from that.


Other common types of car maintenance that should be taken care of every once in awhile may involve checking the air conditioning, batteries, belts and hoses, and whether the vehicle is due for a tune up service. Timing belts should also be checked every once in awhile, especially as the vehicle ages. Typically timing belts have to be replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

Ignoring car issues like timing belts, oil changes, and other regular maintenance can result in costly repairs. Fortunately, many vehicles come equipped with check engine lights that alert drivers when its time to consider visiting am auto repair shop. Unfortunately, it is estimated that thousands of cars are on the road today that are in need of maintenance. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 77 percent of vehicles on the road need some sort of maintenance or repair work. When regular maintenance and repairs are ignored, vehicles may become unsafe to drive and can even contribute to car accidents. If your vehicle is driving rough, consider visiting a mechanic today.