Buying a car is a significant financial investment, and if you’re like many of our customers, you’ll want to keep your vehicle on the road for as long as possible. What if I told you that you could easily double the time your vehicle is on the road? Imagine not having a car payment. Sweet, right? By following a regular auto care maintenance schedule, you will make it so your vehicle lasts longer, and you will save money at the gas pump and when it comes to your car repair expenses. The 8 things I’m about to list will help you keep your vehicle on the road longer.

1. When it comes to synthetic engine oil, fluids and replacement parts, only use high-quality. When you bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop in Byram, NJ, we only use high-quality fluids and parts. For some auto care maintenance items, you may pay a little bit more, but it also means you will get more life out of your vehicle.
2. Don’t neglect your vehicle’s cooling system. A neglected cooling system will cause your engine to run hotter and parts to corrode faster. That’s why it’s prudent to have the coolant flushed and replaced regularly. Hoses and belts should also be inspected for signs of cracks and bulges and replaced at the first sign of excessive wear and tear.
3. Have the transmission serviced. When was the last time you checked the level and condition of the fluid in your transmission? Most people don’t. Many also don’t have the transmission filter and fluid changed according to the schedule recommended by the manufacturer of their car. The transmission fluid should not smell burnt or be dark brown or black in color. A quick note: If your vehicle is getting up in mileage and you haven’t changed the fluid and filter, check with us before having this service performed. Doing so could cause problems with your transmission.
4. Replace belts before they break, especially the timing belt. Click here to find out why, when it comes to auto care, it is important to change your timing belt.
5. Take care of the tires, brakes and suspension system. Have the tires rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and alignments done regularly. Watch for signs of excessive wear and tear on your tires. If you experience any issues with the car’s suspension system, have your vehicle inspected (click here to read more about your car’s suspension system).
6. Be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate potential problems with your vehicle and have them fixed right away. Be observant. Notice any strange sounds or smells? Does something feel not right or different? We can check it out for you. To help you learn about the different signs and symptoms, check out the articles in our blog.
7. A garage-kept vehicle lasts longer. When exposed to the elements, a vehicle’s parts undergo corrosion faster. Sun fades the interior plastic and fabrics. It can also dry out and cause leather seats to crack. When it comes to the exterior, the elements like rain and snow can cause paint oxidation and rust.
8. Maintain the interior and exterior surfaces of your vehicle. Preserve the paint finish and prevent rest by washing and waxing your car regularly. When washing, don’t forget to clean the underside, too. When it comes to the interior, vacuum and clean once a month.

As your auto care professional, Geller’s Automotive can help you with your preventive maintenance so your vehicle lasts longer. With each service or repair, we conduct a courtesy inspection and will alert you to upcoming maintenance items or parts that need to be replaced. We also keep a detailed history of the services we perform. Click here to schedule your next maintenance or repair with Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey.