Car Care Tips

Make Your Car Last Over 10 Years

With proper maintenance, today’s vehicles can remain reliable for many years. Investing in routine vehicle care can help extend your car’s lifespan, prevent costly repairs, and save you money compared to purchasing a new vehicle. At Luhman’s Automotive Repairs, LLC, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle running safely and reliably so you can get the most out of every mile.

Prepare for the Future - Car Maintenance Benefits

Regular vehicle maintenance is a small investment that can make a big difference in your car’s long-term performance and reliability. Keeping up with routine services helps protect essential vehicle systems, extend your car’s lifespan, and reduce the risk of unexpected, costly repairs.

Consistent maintenance can also help preserve your vehicle’s condition and resale value if you decide to sell or trade it in the future. A well-maintained vehicle is often more appealing to potential buyers than one with a limited service history.

Follow the car maintenance tips below to help protect your investment, keep your vehicle running smoothly, and get the most out of every mile.

Oil Change & Automotive Fluids

Change Motor Oil

Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine properly lubricated and running efficiently. Replacing old oil at the manufacturer-recommended intervals helps reduce engine wear, maintain fuel efficiency, prevent sludge buildup, and reduce the risk of overheating. Staying on top of oil changes is a simple way to protect your engine and help extend the life of your vehicle.

Motor oil becomes abrasive and harms metal components if never changed. This costs you money and overall vehicle longevity. Stick to the maintenance schedule and your vehicle will thank you with better mileage.

Change Brake Fluid

Brake fluid plays a vital role in your vehicle’s braking system by transferring the force from your brake pedal to the brakes, allowing you to slow down and stop safely. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture and lose effectiveness, potentially affecting braking performance. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service intervals to help maintain reliable braking and keep your vehicle operating safely. Since maintenance schedules vary by vehicle, check your owner’s manual or ask our team at Luhman’s Automotive Repairs when your brake fluid should be serviced.

Over time, brake fluid can deteriorate or become contaminated, and leaks can develop within the braking system. These issues can affect your vehicle’s ability to stop safely. If you notice a soft or spongy brake pedal, reduced braking performance, or a brake warning light, have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Addressing brake concerns promptly helps maintain your safety and prevent further damage.

Check Coolant

Coolant or antifreeze prevents overheating and freezing of the engine's cooling system. Like brake fluid, recommended service intervals vary by manufacturer and can range from roughly a few years to a recommended check during every scheduled maintenance service.

Keep an eye on your coolant level to ensure there aren't any leaks. If you ever see the engine temperature warning light turn on, there might be something wrong with your coolant or the amount of coolant remaining.

Automotive Part Replacement

Replace Brakes

Brake pads and rotors naturally wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. How often they need service depends on factors such as your driving habits, road conditions, and the condition of your brake components. Regular brake inspections help catch wear early and ensure your brakes continue working safely and effectively. At Luhman’s Automotive Repairs, we can check your brakes and let you know when it’s time for service.

Your driving habits play a big role in how quickly your brakes wear out. Frequent stop-and-go driving, such as driving around town, can wear down brake pads faster than highway or country driving. As a general guideline, brake pads should be replaced when approximately 1/4 inch or less of material remains, though your vehicle’s manufacturer may have different recommendations. Regular brake inspections help catch wear early and keep your vehicle stopping safely when you need it most.

Check Car Battery

Most car batteries last about 2–6 years, depending on factors such as temperature, driving habits, and how often your vehicle is used. While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to help extend your battery’s life and reduce the risk of being left with a vehicle that won’t start. Regular battery testing and routine maintenance can help catch potential problems early and keep your vehicle starting reliably.

A few simple habits can help extend your car battery’s life and keep your vehicle starting reliably. Keep your battery clean and free of corrosion, drive your vehicle regularly to help maintain its charge, and always turn off your headlights and interior lights when you leave your car. These small steps can help prevent unnecessary battery drain and reduce the chance of an unexpected dead battery.

Replace Headlights

Over time, your vehicle’s headlights can become cloudy or yellow due to exposure to sunlight, heat, pollution, and harsh chemicals. This process, known as oxidation, can reduce the amount of light your headlights produce and make it harder to see while driving at night. Parking in a garage or shaded area when possible can help slow this process. Regular headlight care and restoration can improve visibility, enhance your vehicle’s appearance, and help you drive more safely.

If one of your headlights burns out or becomes noticeably dim, it may be a good idea to replace both at the same time. Since headlights typically age at a similar rate, the other bulb may be close to needing replacement as well. Replacing them in pairs helps maintain balanced lighting, improves visibility, and gives you a clearer view of the road at night. Our team at Luhman’s Automotive Repairs can check your headlights and help ensure you’re ready for the road ahead.

Change Air Filters

Your engine air filter keeps dirt and debris out of your engine, helping maintain performance and fuel efficiency. Most filters need replacement every 15,000–30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Regular inspections help keep your engine running smoothly.

Check your engine air filter regularly, especially if you frequently drive in dusty areas or heavy traffic. Keeping it clean helps your engine run efficiently and perform at its best.

Your cabin air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and other airborne particles out of your vehicle’s interior, creating cleaner air for you and your passengers. Replacement intervals vary depending on your vehicle and driving conditions. Having it checked during routine maintenance helps keep your cabin air fresh and your ventilation system working properly.

Change Oil Filters

Your oil filter helps remove dirt and contaminants from your engine oil, protecting important engine components from wear. Replacement intervals vary by manufacturer, but many recommend changing the filter with every oil change. Check your owner’s manual or ask our team for the best maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Tires & Wheels

Check Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment helps your tires wear evenly and your vehicle handle smoothly. Hitting a pothole or curb can knock your alignment out of place. If your vehicle pulls to one side or you notice uneven tire wear, it may be time for an alignment. Regular checks can help extend tire life, improve handling, and keep you driving safely.

Rotate Tires

Regular tire rotations help your tires wear evenly and last longer. Since each tire experiences different levels of stress depending on its position, rotating them helps balance treadwear, improve performance, and get the most out of your tires. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended rotation schedule to help extend tire life.

Tire rotation patterns vary depending on your vehicle and tire type. Rotating your tires regularly helps them wear evenly, maintain consistent performance, and last longer. This can also help you avoid replacing tires at different times due to uneven wear.

Driving Tips

Limit Stop-and-Go Driving

Frequent short trips can reduce fuel efficiency and increase wear on your vehicle. When possible, combine errands into one trip to help save fuel and reduce unnecessary wear and tear.

Take Care of Your Car so It Takes Care of You

Following your owner’s manual and keeping up with routine maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running reliably. Regular maintenance helps you:

Save money over time
Keep you and your passengers safer
Maintain applicable warranty coverage
Extend your vehicle’s lifespan
Reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns

At Luhman’s Automotive Repairs, LLC, we’re here to help you stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and address concerns before they become bigger problems. We proudly provide reliable automotive services to West Bend, Trenton, Newburg, and the surrounding Wisconsin communities. Contact us today to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely!

Get in Touch

Ultimately, the purpose of servicing your vehicle is to ensure the safety of both your vehicle and its passengers. Our team encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific maintenance needs of your make and model be reviewing its handbook. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!