Preventative Maintenance

Keeping It Running: Guide to Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance can maximize the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Routine, scheduled inspections and timely repairs can prevent minor problems from becoming bigger, more expensive ones. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, bring it to the professionals at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center.

Critical Preventative Maintenance Services

The various components in your vehicle are designed to work together, so what starts as a minor problem could quickly become a larger, much more expensive one. With preventative maintenance  from Scotti Muffler & Tire Center, you can better monitor your vehicle's performance, guard against future problems, and repair or replace parts at the first sign of trouble. The guide below will help you ensure your vehicle receives proper preventative care.

Checking the Oil and Filter

The motor oil in your vehicle performs many different functions, such as lubricating various engine components, minimizing wear and tear, and preventing engine corrosion. It also helps cool the engine cooling and acts as a sealant against contaminants. Dirty oil or a clogged, dirty filter can disrupt these functions. 

While some newer vehicles can go 5,000 - 10,000 miles before an oil and filter change, many models need maintenance every three months or 3,000 miles. Your experienced service technician at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center can inspect your oil and filter to determine if they need replacement. 

Rotating the Tires

Depending on your vehicle type, how and where you drive it, and its alignment, your tires will wear down at different rates. For example, the front tires will typically wear down faster  than the rear tires. However, rotating your tires regularly can help ensure they wear down more evenly.

See the trusted service team at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center to rotate your tires every six months. Tire rotation will help balance the tread wear, prolonging the life of your tires and preventing noise and vibration problems.

Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter regulates the flow of air into your engine while protecting it from dirt and debris. A clean air filter extends the life of your engine, reduces emissions, and increases fuel efficiency. Visit Scotti Muffler & Tire Center every 30,000 - 40,000 miles for air filter replacement.

Checking Oil and Coolant Levels

Low oil and coolant levels can lead to problems such as overheating and wear and tear on critical vehicle components. As part of your regular service visit, our experienced team at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center will check your oil and coolant levels and inspect your vehicle for leaks or other problems that may lead to low levels.

Checking Tire Pressure and Depth

Well-maintained tires will help you travel more safely, so check your tires regularly. Improper tire pressure can cause uneven wear and make your vehicle difficult to handle. In addition to tire pressure, tread depth is another critical component of vehicle safety. By regularly monitoring the tread depth, you'll know when it's time for new tires.

Before long trips or as part of a regular maintenance schedule, our team at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center will check that your tires are properly inflated and that the tread is still deep enough for safe driving. We will also inspect the spare tire to ensure you have a reliable backup in case of a flat.

Evaluating Headlights, Turn Signals, and Brake and Parking Lights

Your vehicle's lights should work consistently and not flicker. Therefore, as part of a regular, preventative maintenance visit, Scotti Muffler & Tire Center will check that your headlights are correctly aligned and ensure that all other vehicle lights are in proper working order.

Windshield Wiper Inspection and Replacement

Replace your windshield wipers at least once a year or any time you notice a decrease in efficiency. The wear and tear on your windshield wipers depends on how often you drive your vehicle and under what conditions. Talk to your service technician at Scotti Muffler & Tire Center about installing winter wipers to improve visibility in extreme conditions.

Checking the Battery

Your vehicle's battery is a critical component that provides the electrical current for the engine, starter, and other electronic accessories. Extreme temperatures affect the performance of the battery. As part of regularly scheduled vehicle upkeep with Scotti Muffler & Tire Center, we will check your battery's voltage and charge to ensure it properly powers your vehicle.

Visit Scotti Muffler & Tire Center For Preventative Maintenance on Your Vehicle

Proper care is critical to ensuring the life of your vehicle. Scotti Muffler & Tire Center has been providing preventative maintenance and repair work for customers in Dover & Middletown, DE since 2008. We take pride in keeping our customers' vehicles running smoothly and safely.

Call us today at (302) 674-8280 or visit us in Dover & Middletown, DE to schedule an appointment. We will help you develop a checklist of preventative maintenance services to keep you on track, and we will perform critical inspections and repairs as needed.