Used Car Maintenance: What to Service & What to Replace

Shopping for used cars in Swansboro, NC, can mean upgraded features, newer technology, and distinct designs–all at a price you can afford.

While pre-owned vehicles offer a budget-friendly alternative to the high-end rides we dream about, they often come with more wear and tear than their new counterparts.

However, wear and tear doesn’t automatically make a used vehicle a bad investment. It just means you may need to arrange Chevy maintenance near you sooner than expected.

In this guide, we’ll break down our top tips for used Chevy maintenance, from warning signs to what to service–and even replace–before you hit the road.

What to Service–and Replace–On Your Used Chevy

A pre-owned vehicle doesn’t mean that every part, hose, or valve needs to be replaced immediately. However, several areas need to be checked to ensure your Chevy is maintained and ready to hit the road.

Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your Chevy, responsible for keeping your engine and all its moving parts running smoothly. Scheduling an oil change depends on the type of oil your vehicle uses. Newer pre-owned Chevy models that use synthetic or semi-synthetic oil can go 5,000-7,000 miles between oil changes, while older models need an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles.

For the best service, we recommend visiting our Chevy service center to start fresh with your routine oil change schedule.

Coolant, Transmission, Brake Fluid, Oh My!

Your vehicle is, first and foremost, a machine, and various fluids are necessary to keep it functioning at its best. Here are some of the most critical fluids to check and replace if needed:

• Coolant/antifreeze – This regulates engine temperature and prevents overheating.
• Brake fluid – This is one of the most critical fluids for safety, as it transmits force from the brake pedal to the braking components.
• Transmission fluid – Helps lubricate and cool the transmission’s parts.
• Power steering fluid – Assists in steering and helps to reduce wear and tear on components within the steering system.
• Windshield washer fluid – Needed for your wipers to keep your windshield clean.

Tires

Tires are crucial to your vehicle’s performance and safety, but they can also become easily overlooked in the grand scheme of Chevy car maintenance. When you first get behind the wheel of your used Chevrolet, check your tires for the following:

• Tread depth – Use the penny test to check your tread depth. Stick a penny, with Lincoln’s head pointing down, into the lowest tread groove. If his head is entirely visible, it’s time for new tires.
• Tire pressure – Check the tire pressure to ensure they’re inflated to the correct PSI, which you can find in the door jamb of your driver’s side door.
• Wear or damage – Look for cuts, punctures, or uneven wear on your tires. If any are visible, visit our service center to determine whether the tire can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
• Rotation and alignment – Our service department can help determine if your tires need to be rotated to help distribute wear evenly.

Brakes

Your brake system is the most important component in your vehicle for your safety, so making sure it’s in good shape should be your top priority. Our Chevy technicians will check your brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines for signs of wear, leaks, cracks, or warping.

Things to Consider When Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Every vehicle is built differently, so creating a maintenance schedule for your Chevy will depend on various factors:

• Age – Older vehicles may require more frequent maintenance checks than new models.
• Mileage – Higher mileage often means more maintenance to ensure that it’s running in peak condition.
• Driving conditions – Living in an area with extreme temperatures or harsh weather can accelerate wear and tear on vehicles.
• Prior history – If you know your pre-owned vehicle’s maintenance history, it can help to gauge its future maintenance needs.

Keep in mind that you can create a personalized maintenance schedule for your new ride, but it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine service.

Receive the Best Care for Your Chevy at Team Chevrolet of Swansboro!

Pre-owned vehicles can provide peace of mind for your budget and your lifestyle when serviced by the right people.

Whether you are in need of a Chevy check engine service or a routine oil change, our technicians at Team Chevrolet of Swansboro are here to help! Our certified Chevy experts are trained specifically to know and understand every inch of your vehicle and what it needs to run without worry.

Schedule a service appointment with us today, and check out our ongoing service specials to get the most out of your visit while still leaving money in your wallet!