10 Overlooked Services

Let's talk about automotive service schedules and particularly, the scheduled services that are sometimes forgotten. We like to refer to this as Unperformed Maintenance.

We have a list of 10 service items that are often overlooked. They're all very important and need appropriate attention. So here we go, in no particular order.

• 1. Power Steering Service

  Be honest – have you ever thought of this on your own? Your power steering fluid gets dirty and builds-up moisture over time. Cleaning out your power steering system means that dirt and gum are removed and your power steering parts are protected from corrosion. Ask your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor if it's time for a power steering check-up.

• 2. Wheel Alignment

  When your wheels are out of alignment your car pulls to one side. It's pretty annoying, but it's also dangerous. And it causes your tires to wear out really fast – which is expensive! Most owners' manuals suggest you get your alignment checked once or twice a year.

• 3. Differential Service

  Okay, did you even know you had a differential? Well you do. One, two or three in fact. Differentials are often called gear boxes and they're part of the drive-train that transfers power from the engine to your wheels. They don't need service that often, but you can't just ignore them. Check with your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor.

• 4. Cabin Air Filter

  More and more cars these days have cabin air filters to clean the air in the passenger area where we sit. They filter out dust and pollen. When they're clogged up, they can get smelly. Change your cabin air filter on schedule to enjoy fresh, clean air, which can also help with allergies.

• 5. Timing Belt Replacement

  Most cars and some vans and trucks have timing belts. Without going into a lot of detail, let's just say that your car won't run without it – period. And if it breaks while you're driving it can do thousands of dollars worth of engine damage. Check your owners' manual or with your service advisor. If you're approaching 60,000 miles – absolutely look into it right away.

• 6. Transmission Service

  Transmission service is very basic, but it's often forgotten. Your transmission needs clean fluid from time to time to keep running efficiently and avoid costly repairs. And it can improve your fuel economy too. Be honest – have you ever thought of this on your own? Your power steering fluid gets dirty and builds-up moisture over time. Cleaning out your power steering system means that dirt and gum are removed and your power steering parts are protected from corrosion. Ask your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor if it's time for a power steering check-up.

• 7. Air Conditioning Service

  Most of us don't think about our air conditioning until it doesn't work. Then if you're lucky, you just need to add refrigerant. If you're not, some of the components may have been ruined. Those components are not cheap. Regular air conditioning service adds clean refrigerant which cools and lubricates your air conditioner and conditions the seals.

• 8. Brake Service

  No we're not talking about squealing, grinding brakes here. We're talking brake fluid. Over time the fluid gets a lot of water in it. Because water compresses differently than the brake fluid, your brakes won't work as well. It may even get dangerous. The water can also rust out brake system components and then your brakes can fail altogether. Check with your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor for recommendations.

• 9. Coolant System

  Another thing that's so easy to forget about. When you don't change your antifreeze on schedule it becomes corrosive. Fresh coolant contains additives that maintain the ph balance in the coolant. These additives wear out and the fluid in the radiator can actually eat holes in the radiator or hoses. Then you're stranded.

• 10. Fuel System Cleaning

  In times of high fuel prices, fuel system cleaning is so important. Fuel gums up a bunch of parts as it moves from the gas tank and through the engine. A thorough fuel system cleaning will keep clean gas flowing into the engine. Your fuel injectors get gunked up over time and need to be cleaned. Having your fuel system cleaned on schedule will really help your fuel economy. Be honest – have you ever thought of this on your own? Your power steering fluid gets dirty and builds-up moisture over time. Cleaning out your power steering system means that dirt and gum are removed and your power steering parts are protected from corrosion. Ask your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor if it's time for a power steering check-up.

And there we have it – 10 services that are often overlooked. Did you know that a recent survey showed that 90% of vehicles on the road have at least one scheduled maintenance service that hasn't been performed? Based on our busy lives, we're not surprised.

Contact your NAPA AutoCare Center today to see if your vehicle is in need of any of these 10 Unperformed Maintenance Services!

Posted December 5th, 2013