Service Department at Klein Honda in Everett, WA

Is Routine Maintenance Really That Important?

Short answer: yes, it absolutely is, and you should always stick to the routine service schedule for your vehicle. Longer answer: routine maintenance keeps your vehicle running properly and helps you stay ahead of bigger problems down the road. No matter what kind of vehicle you have, it is a complicated machine that includes a huge number of different parts, all moving together perfectly every time you hit the road. Many of those parts are under a lot of stress and take a ton of abuse while you drive, and all of them will naturally suffer wear and tear over time. Routine maintenance is the best way to make sure they are all in the best shape possible and to keep things running properly.

For example, your engine has oil in it that keeps the metal components moving smoothly so the engine can generate power and the parts do not damage each other. Over time, the oil will get dirty and thicker just due to daily driving, which means it no longer works as well as it did at first. This can lead to your engine overheating—since oil helps reduce excess heat—or the parts actually damaging each other and causing your engine to seize up completely. A routine oil change removes the old, dirty oil and replaces it with fresh oil that does its job properly and keeps everything running well.

In the example we just used, you can also see the second part of what we mentioned earlier: avoiding bigger problems. Ignoring oil and filter changes or keeping worn-out tires on your vehicle too long puts you at higher risk of something going wrong. We can change your oil and replace filters on your vehicle quickly and at a low price. But if your engine seizes up and needs to be repaired or completely replaced, then you are looking at work that will take much longer and cost a lot more. Routine maintenance keeps everything running the way it should and helps you avoid costly problems that can take weeks to repair, which is why it is so important.

Don’t Forget About Multipoint Vehicle Inspections

Along with routine service that involves replacing parts that tend to wear out quickly (like engine oil and air filters), proper service also involves regular multipoint vehicle inspections. Basic inspections should occur based on the service schedule for your vehicle; if you are not sure whether it is time for an inspection or not, then it probably is. It is a good idea to have an inspection performed every time your vehicle is serviced. For example, if you come to us for a quick oil change, then we can also give your brakes, tires, and other basic components a quick inspection while we are working on your car.

A more thorough multipoint vehicle inspection involves checking more parts of your vehicle than we might do while performing other services. This can include a better look at your brakes, checking your wheels along with your tires, inspecting the different hoses and fluids your vehicle has (including lines for your brakes, transmission, and coolant), and much more. During a multipoint vehicle inspection, we can also check your engine and exhaust system to see that everything is working properly and is connected securely and that there are no warning signs of a bigger issue that we can help you avoid.

This type of inspection can also include the inside of your vehicle, which can be easy to overlook. We can check your seat belts to ensure they still work properly, test your heating and cooling system, and inspect your electrical system to see that everything is as it should be. Again, this sort of inspection is ideal for staying ahead of things. Noticing a small issue now can prevent a much bigger and costlier problem down the road. Such an inspection is the perfect way to drive with total confidence, and we suggest having multipoint inspections performed on a routine basis as well as before a major road trip where you need to be able to count on your car.

Service and Repairs for All Makes and Models

Although we are a Honda dealership, this does not mean that we only provide service and support for Honda vehicles. Our certified service center and expert technicians are fully prepared to provide maintenance and repairs for any of the different vehicles out there, including a wide range of makes and models. Even if you did not buy your vehicle from us, we are happy to provide you with maintenance and repairs so that you have a vehicle that you can depend on every time you get behind the wheel. That is the difference you get to enjoy when you work with a service center that always puts your needs first and goes the extra mile to provide you with the highest level of vehicle care.

Schedule Your Service Appointment Today

Whether you need routine service, want a full-vehicle inspection before a long road trip, or have started hearing a strange sound from your car that has you concerned, we are here to help. At our service center and parts department, we are equipped to assist you with anything you and your vehicle need to ensure you have a car, truck, or SUV that you can always count on. Even if you just have questions about the features of your vehicle or are not sure how something works, we are happy to provide you with any assistance you need and will make sure you are getting the most from your ride each day. From a simple oil change or tire rotation to adjusting your suspension or replacing your engine, we are here to help with anything you require. Give us a call or schedule your service appointment with us online today to let us handle everything and keep your car running beautifully.