Whether you drive a compact Equinox or a full-sized Silverado truck, routine maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Each part of your Chevy will have its own recommended maintenance schedule, which you’ll find in your owners manual or at an expert Chevy dealership. Sticking to a routine maintenance schedule also gives an auto technician a chance to perform an inspection of your car’s main parts so that you can take preventive measures to stop problems from getting worse.
When Should You Maintain Your Chevy?
Each Chevy model has its own specific maintenance schedule. However, a good rule of thumb is to make an appointment at our Plano service center for your Traverse or Malibu every 7,500 miles of driving or at least once a year, whichever comes first. At each maintenance appointment, you can expect to have your engine oil changed and oil and air filters replaced. One of our auto technicians will also carry out a multi-point inspection to make sure everything is in good working order. These inspections may identify problems that are not yet obvious.
Oil changes are an essential part of your Chevy maintenance schedule because they ensure that your engine runs smoothly and performs well. Over time, engine oil breaks down due to the strain it’s put under. It also may get contaminated by debris from wearing parts and dirt from external sources. These processes can cause oil to gather in clumps on your engine’s components and reduce its ability to lubricate your engine. You can tell that your oil needs changing if it has a darker color than usual or you notice a burning smell from the engine.
As your vehicle gets older, your maintenance requirements are likely to become more extensive. Components such as brake discs, engine parts, or transmission components may need to be renewed. At this stage, the multi-point inspection will prove especially important since it will allow us to identify any problem areas that need attention.
Tire, Brake, and Engine Maintenance
Your tires are another key part of your Chevy that must be well maintained. They’re the only part of your vehicle that comes into direct contact with the road, so you need to ensure that their treadwear is even and that they aren’t damaged. The best way to do this is to have a professional regularly inspect your tires when you’re in for an oil change. They’ll also rotate your tires, which can help avoid uneven treadwear. The rotation pattern will depend on whether you drive a front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Various parts of your brake system also require maintenance. Brake pads wear down over time and need replacing after two or three years. This timescale varies according to your driving habits. For instance, if you spend a lot of your time in stop-and-go traffic in the city, you’ll use your brake pads more than if you do most of your driving on the highway. As a result, your pads will wear out more quickly. Your brake fluid also needs to be flushed every year or two or if it gets contaminated by dirt or debris.
Your engine is one of the most complex parts of your Chevy, and it will also require maintenance as the years go by. After four or five years of driving, it’s typical to have your spark plugs replaced.
The serpentine belt, which is critical for transferring power from the engine to your transmission, has traditionally been replaced at around this time. However, newer vehicles have improved belts that can last for eight to 10 years. To be safe, your best course of action is to get your serpentine belt regularly inspected for any signs of wear and tear, including cracks and splits.
Benefits of Routine Chevy Maintenance
Routine maintenance’s major benefit is keeping your vehicle in top condition. This means that you get the most out of your crossover or truck when you’re behind the wheel. It’s also a great way to avoid excessive repair costs, which may be caused by problems associated with poor maintenance. For example, if you fail to change your brake pads on time, you may cause serious damage to your brake discs and calipers, which would cost considerable expense to repair.
A further advantage you gain from sticking to a routine maintenance schedule is that you can sell your car for a better price when it comes time to buy a new one. A well-maintained Chevy could be eligible for a certified pre-owned program at a reliable local dealership. These vehicles usually sell for a significantly higher price than standard used cars due to their superior condition. Even if you sell your car on the private market, you’re more likely to attract a good price if you can show that it has been well looked after over the years.
Chevy Service Incentives
To help you keep your Chevy crossover or pickup in great condition for an affordable price, our Plano service center offers a range of service and parts coupons. Our incentives include discounts on the labor required to perform common maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and wheel alignments. You can also get special deals on specific original equipment manufacturer parts, including new brake pads, tires, and filters. Our incentives are updated regularly, so it’s well worth checking back prior to every appointment to see if you can find an incentive that benefits you.
Schedule Your Next Maintenance Appointment at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
Is your Chevy in need of maintenance? You can easily schedule a service appointment at our Huffines Plano service center online so that you can select a time to fit into your busy schedule. We’ve got a team of highly qualified Chevy auto technicians who can handle the full range of maintenance tasks. If your vehicle requires more extensive repairs or reconditioning, we’ve also got the equipment and know-how to take care of it. Feel free to contact us today to learn more or ask a question. We’d be happy to help.