Wondering How Many Miles Should You Service Your Car?

There are several factors that will affect how many miles you should service your car:  These are:  

• The amount of miles you drive.
• The service history of your vehicle.
• The condition of the road you travel on.

So at how many miles should you service your car?  Many auto mechanics recommend that you have a basic car service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.  If you drive a lot of miles during a year, you should try to have an interim service about every 6 months or 6,000 miles.  These services should include a inspect of all the fluid levels, oil and filter change, and lubricate all the moving car parts.  Of course, with the proficiency of your mechanic together with your owner’s manual, you should choose the best level of service for your circumstances. 

Most Modern cars have taken the guesswork out of knowing when to service your car.  Many cars today have an in-built computer that will flash on the dashboard when your car has reached its service interval.  If your car doesn’t have this service alert, ask your car repair expert about the specific servicing requirements for your vehicle. 

Remember:  Regular car service increases the safety, reliability and long life of your vehicle.  Small faults can be discovered early and taken care of before they become a major issue.  Moreover, research shows that vehicles that have received regular service have a resale value of up to 26% more than similar vehicles that have not received regular service. 

Are you looking for quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about how many miles should you service your car and make an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.

When Should You Change Transmission Fluid?

If you’re wondering when should you change transmission fluid in your vehicle, you may want to know just what is the purpose of transmission fluid.  First, it lubricates all the surfaces and components of the transmission system to prevent the friction that causes overheating, and secondly, it transmits power from the engine to the transmission. 

A topic of controversy among mechanics is when should you change transmission fluid?  Some say that transmission fluid should never want to be changed.  But some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing transmission fluid about every 100K miles, while some say about every 50K miles.  Find your owner’s manual to see what it has to say, and then discuss the topic with a trusted auto mechanic.

In spite of the facts above, it is a fact that transmission fluid deteriorates over time.  Particular driving conditions raise the transmission’s operating temperature and put more strain on the transmission and the fluid, such as frequent stop-and-go city driving, hauling weighty loads, or towing.   If your vehicle has a lot of miles, it could be that the transmission could be developing a leak.  

So when should you change transmission fluid?  If the fluid has turned darker than usual it may be time for a transmission flush. Or, if you start to notice a burned odor, it could an indication that the transmission is developing issues, such as 

1. Delayed shifting. 
2. Difficulty and/or noisy shifting.
3. Slipping in and out of gear. 
4. Overheating and burning smell.

If you have the transmission fluid inspected about every month, you can keep tabs on its condition, and prevent an expensive transmission repair down the road. 

Are you wondering when should you change transmission fluid in your vehicle?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Proshop Automotive for more information about a transmission fluid change and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Colton, CA, and the surrounding areas.