Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Longer

Table of Contents

1. Stick to a Routine Oil Change Schedule
2. Monitor and Top Off Fluids
3. Pay Attention to Warning Lights
4. Keep Your Vehicle Clean to Prevent Rust and Corrosion
5. Inspect Your Battery Before Every Season
6. Rotate Your Tires and Check Alignment
7. Replace Air Filters as Recommended
8. Follow Your Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
9. Be Proactive with Repairs
10. Don’t Overlook Vehicle Recalls
Why it Matters:
How to Check:
Full-Service Car Maintenance in St. Louis
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Your vehicle is more than just transportation—it’s a long-term investment. With the right care, you can extend its lifespan, enhance its performance, and avoid costly repairs in the future.

At Clement Auto Group, we’re committed to helping drivers make informed decisions when it comes to vehicle ownership and maintenance. Whether your car is fresh off the lot or has crossed the 100,000-mile mark, these simple tips can help keep it running smoothly for years to come.

For more in-depth information about car ownership, vehicle inspections, and how your vehicle's systems work, we recommend visiting this trusted resource from YourMechanic:

🔗 Complete Car Advice by YourMechanic

1. Stick to a Routine Oil Change Schedule

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It reduces friction, lubricates moving parts, and helps regulate temperature. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective, which can cause engine components to wear faster.

Best practice:

Check your owner’s manual, but many vehicles require oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles, especially when using synthetic oil.
Neglecting oil changes can lead to sludge buildup or even engine failure.

At Clement, we offer routine oil changes performed by certified technicians to keep your engine protected.

2. Monitor and Top Off Fluids

Your car relies on multiple fluid systems to operate efficiently. These fluids should be checked and replenished regularly:

Brake fluid – Ensures your braking system functions safely.
Coolant/antifreeze – Prevents overheating in summer and freezing in winter.
Transmission fluid – Protects gears and keeps shifting smooth.
Power steering fluid – Helps you steer easily, especially at low speeds.
Windshield washer fluid – Improves visibility and driving safety.

Tip: If you notice any leaks or performance issues, schedule a checkup with our service team.

3. Pay Attention to Warning Lights

Dashboard lights are your car’s way of communicating problems—especially the Check Engine Light. This warning can be triggered by something minor like a loose gas cap or something serious like a misfiring engine.

Ignoring it can turn a small issue into an expensive repair. Clement Auto Group offers professional diagnostic testing to help pinpoint the issue and explain your options clearly.

4. Keep Your Vehicle Clean to Prevent Rust and Corrosion

While often overlooked, regular washing and waxing can have a direct impact on your vehicle’s lifespan—especially in St. Louis, where winter road salt can damage paint and undercarriage components.

Best practice:

Wash your car every 2–3 weeks and immediately after snowstorms or heavy salt use.
Apply wax at least twice a year to create a protective barrier.

5. Inspect Your Battery Before Every Season

Battery performance is affected by temperature extremes. Cold winters and hot summers can drain battery life faster than expected.

Check your battery if you notice:

Slow engine crank
Dim headlights
Dashboard battery light illuminated

6. Rotate Your Tires and Check Alignment

Tire rotation ensures even wear across all four tires, which can extend their life and improve fuel efficiency. Wheel alignment keeps your car driving straight and prevents irregular tread wear.

Suggested schedule:

Rotate tires every 6,000–8,000 miles
Get an alignment at least once per year or after hitting a major pothole or curb

Properly maintained tires also reduce strain on your suspension and improve safety in wet or icy conditions.

7. Replace Air Filters as Recommended

Two filters protect your car from dirt and debris:

Engine air filter: Keeps harmful particles from entering your engine.
Cabin air filter: Filters the air you breathe inside the vehicle.

Dirty filters can reduce gas mileage, slow acceleration, and worsen air quality. Most should be replaced every 15,000–30,000 miles, depending on your environment.

8. Follow Your Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule

Every vehicle has a factory-recommended service interval for maintenance milestones like:

30,000-mile service
60,000-mile service
90,000-mile service

These schedules often include checks or replacements for spark plugs, belts, hoses, fluid flushes, and more.

Clement Auto Group can help you track and complete these services on time. Ask us to review your vehicle’s service history and create a maintenance plan.

9. Be Proactive with Repairs

Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than major repairs. Listening for unusual sounds, watching for leaks, or feeling changes in handling can help you catch issues early.

If you're unsure what’s going on, stop by our Clement Supercenter Service Department for a no-pressure inspection.

10. Don’t Overlook Vehicle Recalls

One often-forgotten aspect of car maintenance is checking for open recalls. Manufacturers issue recalls to address safety-related defects that can affect your vehicle’s performance, safety systems, or overall reliability. These fixes are usually completely free, but many drivers don’t realize they have an active recall.

Why it Matters:

Recalls can involve critical systems like airbags, brakes, steering, or fuel lines.
Ignoring them can lead to accidents or breakdowns, even if you follow every other maintenance tip.
Staying up to date with recalls is part of being a responsible vehicle owner—and it helps your vehicle stay road-safe and long-lasting.

How to Check:

You can easily check if your vehicle has any open recalls by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official recall lookup tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

🔗 NHTSA Recall Link

Tip: At Clement, our service service center's can also assist you in identifying and addressing recall issues. Just ask during your next service appointment.

Full-Service Car Maintenance in St. Louis

At Clement Auto Group, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Whether you need a quick oil change or a full factory service, our expert technicians are here to help.

We service all makes and models, and our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle everything from tire rotations to engine diagnostics.