If you own a vehicle, you understand there's always a ton of upkeep. However, the upkeep is essential to ensuring that your vehicle is reliable, looks good, and functions safely on the road. Here are reasons why a maintenance schedule with your local auto repair shop prevents issues.

Early Detection

You may not notice issues with your vehicle that a professional quickly will. According to Progressive, your brake motors last up to 60,000 miles of usage. If you're not paying attention to the miles on your car, you may not realize your brake, motor, or tires have reached their mileage capacity and may need adjustment or changing. You may not notice certain sounds alerting you to problems in your engine or transmission. Your auto repair shop uses diagnostic tools that detect lingering issues that aren't obvious. This early detection can save you from a random breakdown or other problems that can cost you a lot of time and money. These diagnostics can prevent an accident or the need to replace your car unexpectedly.

Savings

In today's economy, most people are trying to save whatever money they can. Being proactive with your auto repair scheduling can ensure you don't spend an excessive amount maintaining your vehicle. Professionals spot issues early and can deal with them while they're still minor. As a result, you can prevent having to replace your vehicle or make a much larger repair, such as an engine replacement. You also won't lose out by having to pay for a rental or replacement car while waiting for your main car to go through extensive repairs.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is essential to having your car run properly. When it burns too much fuel, you'll be stopping at the gas station more often than you want. You'll also cause excessive emissions into the environment that can impact pollution. Your gas budget will increase as your car keeps burning more fuel, especially if you use it a lot. Keeping a regular auto repair maintenance schedule can ensure your car is running at the optimal level and any adjustments can be made to improve fuel efficiency.

Comfortable Rides

Can you imagine a long commute in which your car is constantly vibrating or rocking side to side? If you have issues with steering, brake pads, or tire tread, that's exactly what can happen. It could make you feel disoriented while driving and put stress on your body. It may also affect your reaction time. An uncomfortable drive is a sign there are worse problems that may lead to a car breakdown.

Safety

Car safety is essential for you, passengers, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians. For example, if you're having problems braking efficiently, you can quickly collide with another car, structure, or a pedestrian trying to make it through a crosswalk. If you have problems with your seatbelts or airbags, you won't be protected during impact from a collision. Auto professionals can ensure the windshield is secure and crack-free. After all, cracked auto glass can shatter and injure anyone inside the car, even upon the slightest impact. According to the CDC, non-fatal crashes created $220 billion in lifetime work, medical, and quality of life loss expenses in 2021.

Value Maintenance

While most cars depreciate the minute you take it off the lot, how much it decreases depends on how well you maintain it. After all, you may want to trade in your car for a new model in a few years or sell it to a direct buyer. The better condition it's in, the more money you can get for a trade-in or sale. If you have a luxury vehicle, your car may increase in value over time, especially if the model is no longer in production. Therefore, keeping up with your regular auto repair maintenance can ensure your vehicle maintains as much value as possible over time.

As you can see, you don't have to wait until your car has an accident or breaks down to take it in for service by an auto professional. Schedule regular maintenance so auto professionals can be proactive with lingering issues before they become worse problems. When you need auto repair, our shop provides free estimates and takes walk-ins. Contact us today at Wisconsin Muffler Tire & Auto Center to start your regular car service.