If you don't want to have to buy a new car or rely on public transportation, you should do everything that you can to keep your current vehicle running for as long as possible. The proper care can add years to your car's life and also make driving it safer. To get the most use out of your vehicle, you should visit an auto service center to have these general car maintenance services performed when they're due.

Oil Change

High-quality oil that's free of impurities can keep the moving parts of your engine well-lubricated so that they don't break down from friction. To ensure that your car has the best oil, you should have the oil changed at certain intervals. The old adage that oil changes should be performed every three months or after every 3,000 miles of driving may still be true in some cases, but you may be able to go for longer periods before your oil changes are due if you have a newer vehicle or don't drive as often.

Brake Inspection and Repairs

Whether you have to stop your car suddenly or just decrease your speed, you'll need reliable brakes to help you avoid collisions. A thorough brake inspection should be part of any general car maintenance routine so that any problems that may have gone unnoticed can be addressed to prevent your brakes from failing unexpectedly. If your brakes have any worn components or other problems, they may need to be repaired or replaced to make driving as safe as possible for you. 

Tire Rotation

To prevent undue wear on your tires, you should have them rotated by professionals who will make sure that the tires are put back onto your car securely. Most cars should have their tires rotated after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles of driving, but your tires may need to be rotated more or less often depending on the type of driving that you do and what your owner's manual recommends.

Windshield Wiper Replacement

Your car's windshield wipers will eventually wear down with use, and can lose their quality even faster during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. Worn-out wipers can't do as sufficient of a job at clearing water from your windshield and may even leave streaks that could interfere with your vision and make driving more hazardous. With a simple wiper replacement, all your windshield wipers will be able to clear your windshield better.

General car maintenance can make a big difference in how well your vehicle performs. Auto professionals who offer general car maintenance services can give your car the care that it needs to offer you the reliable mode of transportation that you deserve.