5 Tips for Preventing Major Car Repairs Down the Road

Car trouble never comes at a convenient time — and major repairs often carry major price tags. The good news? Most expensive repairs can be avoided with regular maintenance and a few proactive habits. At Cougar Tire and Auto, we believe that education is just as important as service. Here are five simple ways to keep your car running smoothly — and avoid the surprise of a big repair bill.

1) Keep Up With Oil Changes

It may seem simple, but the easiest way to prevent problems in the future is to get your car's oil changed at regular intervals. Most shops, including ours, offer complimentary vehicle inspections with every oil change. These inspections help to catch issues before they become more serious and fresh oil every few months keeps your engine well lubricated so that it lasts for years.

Pro tip: Set a reminder in your phone to come in for an oil change every 3 months (roughly 3,000 miles) OR you can just sign up for our service reminders and we'll text you when your vehicle is coming due for the next oil change!

2) Mind the Lights

Those lights on your dashboard aren't just there for a pop of color when it gets dark outside. Each light tells you something different about your vehicle and about something that may be wrong. Fixing the issue early can often prevent more major issues down the line.

Pro tip: Come in for a free scan check if any of the lights on your dashboard are on.

3) Keep Your Fluid Filled

Your car needs more than just engine oil to keep running. From brake fluid to coolant, you should keep each topped off to keep your car on the road.

Pro tip: Stop by for an oil change and we'll keep your fluid topped off and you won't even need to think about it.

4) Rotate Your Tires

When you rotate your tires it doesn't just help them last longer, it also helps protect your suspension and steering components from premature wear and tear. It also helps to find any potential issues before they come up.

Pro tip: Rotate your tires at every other oil change to maximize the life of your tires (and your car!)

5) Listen to Your Car

Modern vehicles are designed to be quieter and smoother than cars of the past. If you notice new sounds, a creaking, scraping, or clunking, bring it in as soon as you can. The earlier you catch the problem, the less you'll have to pay.

Pro tip: Drive with the radio off every once in a while to listen for any new noises.

Want Peace of Mind? We've Got You.

Preventative maintenance is cheaper than postponed repairs! When you properly maintain and take care of your vehicle it'll take care of you too. If you ever have any questions or concerns, our trained and experienced service advisors can help you get to the bottom of your vehicle problems quick and easy.