Preventative Maintenance
in Jacksonville, FL
When it comes to keeping your vehicle in good condition, preventative maintenance is key.
As a car owner, you rely on your vehicle to get you to work, school, or even on a road trip. To keep your car running smoothly for thousands of miles, preventative maintenance is essential.
When it’s time for auto maintenance, there’s no better place in Jacksonville, FL, than Maxi Auto Repair and Service. We offer a wide range of maintenance services to help ensure your car runs smoothly for thousands of miles.
When you bring your vehicle for a maintenance service, we include a free inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe and optimal for driving. We’ll look for leaks, loose suspension, brake issues, and many other visible issues, among other things.
Preventative vs. Factory-Recommended Maintenance
While preventative maintenance and factory-recommended maintenance are often used interchangeably, the former can be broader in coverage.
Preventative maintenance refers to routine maintenance tasks designed to keep your car in good condition. It includes regularly scheduled inspections, repairs, and replacements of wear-and-tear components. These things are done to prevent potential problems and extend the life of a vehicle.
Preventative maintenance includes many of the same services under factory-recommended maintenance—services recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer to keep the vehicle running properly and within warranty.
However, preventative maintenance can go beyond what is recommended by the manufacturer. It can include additional inspections and services tailored to the specific needs of a vehicle.
Factory-Recommended Services
Factory-recommended maintenance services vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Typically, these services include:
1. Oil and filter change
This involves draining the old engine oil and replacing it with new oil along with a new oil filter. Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, the interval may vary depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used.
2. Tire rotation and balancing
Tires are rotated and balanced to ensure they wear evenly and to improve handling. These two services are typically recommended every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
3. Brake inspection
It involves the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines to ensure they are in good working condition. This is typically done every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
4. Fluid flush and replacement
Coolant and transmission fluids should be flushed every 30,000 miles, while brake fluid should be changed every two years.
5. Air filter replacement
The engine and cabin air filters are routinely changed to improve air quality and engine performance. The replacement is usually done every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
6. Spark plug replacement
Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your car. They are responsible for igniting the engine’s fuel and can affect your car’s performance and fuel efficiency.
7. Timing belt or timing chain replacement
A timing belt or chain synchronizes the movement of the engine’s pistons and valves. It gets worn over time and should be replaced periodically. The schedule varies by make and model, but generally, belts are replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, while chains can last up to 200,000 miles.
30K vs. 60K vs. 90K Services
Manufacturers usually group the conduct of major factory-recommended services at certain milestones. The most common intervals are 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles.
At the 30,000-mile mark, recommended services typically include oil and filter changes, tire rotations, air and fuel filter replacements, and brake inspections.
The 60,000-mile maintenance services typically include all the 30K services, along with additional services such as transmission fluid and filter replacement, coolant system flush, spark plug replacements, and brake pad replacements.
Finally, at the 90,000-mile mark, recommended services usually include all the previous services, along with more comprehensive inspections of the vehicle’s belts, hoses, and other components.
Note that these are just general recommendations. The specific maintenance schedule for a vehicle can vary depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and year. It’s always best to consult the owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic for specific recommendations for your vehicle.
BG Services Offered at Maxi Auto Repair and Service
BG Services are various maintenance services using BG Products. They may include fuel system cleaning, coolant system flushing, transmission fluid exchange, and power steering fluid exchange.
BG Services are designed to help maintain vehicles’ performance, efficiency, and longevity. These are often recommended to be part of regular maintenance to help keep vehicles running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
At Maxi Auto Repair and Service, we do BG Services as part of our offerings. We particularly do coolant flushes and clean the fuel injection of diesel and gas-powered vehicles. These are done to flush out all the old, contaminated fluids, ensuring your vehicle starts and operates with fresh fluids.
Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape With the Help of Maxi Auto Repair and Service
It’s settled—Preventative maintenance is crucial in ensuring your car runs smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. By staying on top of regular maintenance tasks and addressing any issues promptly, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle and save money in the long run.
If you’re in Jacksonville, FL, or nearby areas, and your vehicle badly needs maintenance, reach out to contact Maxi Auto Repair and Service. We have three locations to serve you—Beach Boulevard, Riverside, and Hodges.
