Does Your Car Manufacturer Maintenance Schedule Matter

Let’s face it, when it comes to essential auto repair maintenance, most car owners in America are clueless. If you are part of the bandwagon, then you probably don’t have an idea of how often things like tire pressure checks and oil changes need to be performed.

What you might not know is following your manufacturer maintenance schedule will help keep your car running at peak performance for longer. Your car will be more reliable, better functioning, and, best of all, it’ll help maintain its resale value. Car manufacturers provide maintenance schedules to highlight the need to perform a minimum required service to keep the car running well and avoid voiding the warranty.

So, do you feel your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule matters? The following will help you learn why manufacturer schedules are essential for you and your car in the long run.

Why Are Manufacturer Recommended Schedules Necessary?

It doesn’t come as a shocker that most Americans don’t follow the manufacturer-recommended schedules. Failing to follow your maintenance schedule directly affects the lifespan of your vehicle, putting it at risk of stalling at the roadside or costing a fortune in repairs. While these recommendations are typically compiled by your car manufacturer, strictly following it can help you:

  • Improve road safety: When you routinely check your vehicle essential components like tires, brakes, and fluids, you are less likely to stall on the road due to worn out parts.
  • Saves time and money: Scheduled maintenance helps you identify minor problems before they become big problems that will need extra time and money to repair.
  • Keep a record of services: Routinely performing your maintenance schedule will help keep a record of services performed, and services that are up next. It also makes it easy to diagnose problems when you have a record of previous services.
  • Keeps all systems functioning: In addition to keeping your engine running smoothly, your vehicle will work better if it is well maintained. Routinely changing your spark plugs or coolant will significantly change how it operates.
  • Maintains resale value: A regularly maintained vehicle will have most of its components in the right working conditions such as the AC, belts, suspension, paint, and body. A well-maintained car will retain its resale value.
  • How Will I Know When to Perform the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule?

    The simplest way to keep track of what maintenance needs to be performed is by going through your car owner’s manual. Depending on your vehicle, the manufacturer’s manual is sold and stored at your glove box. In case it is not available, you could contact your dealership or manufacturer for recommendations.

    image of glove box
    car dashboard with warning lights

    Which Maintenance Schedule Is Appropriate for My Vehicle?

    Manufacturer maintenance can come in many forms and are programmed at different increments. While they are programmed to occur at the same mileages, not all factory-recommended maintenance are the same. Schedules typically fall into two major categories. Likewise, these will largely depend on the type of car you own as well as your driving habits.

    Severe Maintenance

    If you own a truck or SUV or have a vehicle that you use for heavy tasks that might include off-road travel, stop and go traffic, heavy towing, hauling or long-distance driving, you’ll need severe maintenance. These vehicles need replacements done frequently; it is due to this reason that a severe maintenance schedule will not require different services but rather shorter periods between routine car repairs.

    Normal Maintenance Schedule

    Most road-going vehicles have a regular maintenance schedule or standard maintenance. This kind of service is done as determined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s ideal for drivers with short commutes between 10 to 12,000 miles per year with a lot of starts-and-stops on the way. This maintenance is suitable for vehicles that don’t get involved in heavy-duty or demanding activities.

    AAMCO Minnesota Factory Recommended Maintenance

    It’s important to note that maintenance costs and schedules vary from one car to the next. There are vehicles that are a lot cheaper to maintain compared to others. Depending on where your vehicle lies, keeping up with the schedules will save you a lot of money, frustration, and time in the long run.

    At AAMCO Minnesota, we specialize in all types of maintenance for all road-going vehicles licensed for American Highways. Our professional technicians have years of experience diagnosing, serving, and repairing a wide range of automobiles. We also specialize in resources and equipment that help our team maintain a variety of vans, trucks, and SUVs.

    We are a leader when it comes to transmission repair services, with specialized equipment, resources, and staff to repair and service any transmission problem that may occur. Apart from being a transmission expert and offering quality scheduled maintenance, we also provide engine tune-up services, regular car maintenance service, brake, and suspension service, and maintenance, factory recommended service and many more.

    Are you unsure of your car maintenance schedule? Contact or visit your local AAMCO Minnesota car care center; our expert mechanics will be more than glad to get your up to date on its maintenance schedule.

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