At BCS, we believe in delivering a quality service that is tailored to what you want. However, we also believe in educating our clients so that they can make the most informed choices possible. So, while experienced drivers will probably understand the need for common maintenance services like oil changes and tire pressure checks, today we are going to give a breakdown of the lesser known and often overlooked services that we believe can still have a big impact on your car’s longevity and performance.
Power steering
More than just a cool sounding name, power steering is also a central part of the smooth functioning of your car, particularly if it is on the heavy side. However, very rare is the time that a client has suggested a power steering service to us before something has gone drastically wrong. The main thing to check when it comes to power steering is the fluid. This can become thick and dirty, causing clogs and system failures. An occasional check on this system can pay dividends in terms of preventing a range of problems down the line.
Cabin air filter replacement
So, you’re stuck in traffic and you decide to go to your happy place. You imagine a beautiful green meadow, rolling hills and fresh breezy breezes. You take a deep breath in and suddenly your nose is clogged up with pollen and dust particles! The meadow vanishes, your state of Zen shatters and you are left wondering whether you should have had that air cabin filter looked at the last time you were in for a service. Air cabin filters can range from basic dust and pollen filters to charcoal filters designed to cope with a wider range of pollutants. However, no matter to type, filters wear out eventually. Thankfully, they are relatively inexpensive to replace and can make a big difference to the internal atmosphere of your car. Now, back to the meadow….
Wheel alignment
If you’ve ever felt your teeth rattle after a short trip into a pothole that was big enough to impress Frodo Baggins, you may want to consider getting your wheel alignment checked. While it is not always the easiest thing to notice, a misalignment in your wheel setup can lead to uneven wear on your tires. This can result in a shortened life span as well as potentially having an impact on your suspension.
And, lastly, a couple of myths that need dispelling…
As Mark Twain said, “It ain’t always what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so”. With that advice in mind, here are a couple of pervasive car maintenance myths that just ain’t so.
1. You should change your oil every 3000 miles.
Now this myth isn’t likely to get you into a lot of trouble but it may result in you changing your oil a lot more than you necessarily have to. The recommended course of action is to refer to your car’s maintenance manual. Most modern cars can go much further than 3000 miles under normal driving conditions on a single change of oil.
2. Tires should be inflated to the pressure written on the sidewall of the tire.
Now this one can lead folks into difficulties. The pressure given on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure but not necessarily the optimum one. Overinflated tires can lead to wide range of issues down the line including excessive wear. The ideal pressure will actually depend on the particulars of your vehicle and not the tire. You should find a recommended pressure on a sticker on the inner doorjamb or the inside of the fuel flap.