In order to keep cars running in top shape--and in order to get the maximum longevity possible from a vehicle--preventative maintenance must be performed according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Basic Maintenance Needs
The bare necessities of automotive maintenance include oil changes, tire rotations, and filter changes. Oil changes are necessary because deposits form over time in the oil, and these deposits can cause damage to engine components over time if the oil isn't drained and replaced. Tire rotations are necessary in order to make sure all four tires are wearing evenly--uneven tire wear can cost owners more than replacing all four tires at one time.
Filters also need to be changed. There are several varieties of filter--air, fuel, and cabin, to name just a few--and each one will need changing as dirt and debris pile up. Car owners shouldn't ignore this component of preventative maintenance.
Belts, Hoses, and Coolant
Belts and hoses last longer than they used to--as does engine coolant, aka antifreeze. Still, not changing these items when recommended can lead to serious engine damage or poor performance. Again, following the manufacturer's schedule is the best course of action. Same goes for other fluids, such as power steering fluid, brake fluid, et cetera.
Other Services
As technology has changed, so has basic maintenance. For example, tune-ups--which usually required the replacement of spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor caps, and the rotor inside the distributor--are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to distributor-less ignitions and long-lasting spark plugs. This doesn't mean that spark plugs don't need to be replaced, but rather, that often times these parts outlast the initial owner's time with the car.
Brakes still wear out, however. Front brakes do most of the work during deceleration--performing as much as 90 percent of the work when it comes to braking--and in today's stop-and-go traffic, that means that brake pads may need replacement at 30,000 miles or less. For safety reasons, brakes should NOT be ignored.
Batteries and Blades
There are other, smaller services that cars need. Wiper blades should be changed twice a year. For vehicles equipped with timing belts, those belts should be changed at the recommended interval--if not, they could snap and leave a motorist stranded on the roadside.
A battery cleaning service may be recommended for those who live in colder climates--as batteries age, acid can build up on the terminals, and this adds resistance to the current during starting. This can cause the battery to age too quickly or make it more difficult to start the car in cold weather.
These are the most basic services a car needs, but there are other services that to be performed as well. The best thing to do is to keep checking the recommended maintenance schedule.
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