At S.P.O.T.S., we believe that keeping up with preventative maintenance is the key to a safe and reliable vehicle. We know that maintenance costs can seem like an unnecessary expense—until a breakdown leaves you stranded on the side of the road or facing a repair bill that could have been avoided. Staying on top of routine maintenance saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.
What Does Preventative Maintenance Include?
Routine maintenance covers a range of services designed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Here are some of the key areas to focus on:
✅ Oil and Filter Changes – Helps keep your engine clean and running smoothly.
✅ Fluid Checks & Replacements – Includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid.
✅ Belt & Hose Inspections – Prevents sudden failures that can leave you stranded.
✅ Brake & Suspension Servicing – Ensures your safety and improves handling.
✅ Air Conditioner Servicing – Keeps your A/C working when you need it most.
✅ Tire Rotations & Alignments – Extends tire life and improves fuel efficiency.
✅ Fuel System Maintenance – Cleaning fuel injectors and replacing the fuel filter can improve performance and gas mileage.
✅ Transmission Fluid Changes – Helps prevent costly repairs by keeping your transmission running smoothly.
✅ Engine & Cabin Air Filter Replacements – Keeps your engine breathing clean air and ensures fresh air inside your car.
Understanding Manufacturer Maintenance Schedules
Every vehicle has a recommended maintenance schedule, which can be found in the owner’s manual. You might be surprised to learn that some of the old rules have changed!
For example, it used to be common practice to change your oil every 3,000 miles, but modern engines and synthetic oils have extended oil change intervals to 5,000 or even 7,000 miles—depending on your vehicle and driving conditions.
Other critical maintenance milestones happen at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles when components like transmission fluid, spark plugs, timing belts, and filters often need replacement.
The S.P.O.T.S. Multi-Point Inspection
When you bring your vehicle into S.P.O.T.S. for maintenance, we don’t just perform the service you requested—we also do a free multi-point inspection to catch potential problems before they become expensive repairs.
What We Check:
✔ Cabin air filters
✔ Fluid levels (washer fluid, brakes, power steering, coolant, etc.)
✔ Windshield wiper blades
✔ Tire tread, sidewall, and air pressure
✔ Belts and hoses
✔ Car battery condition
✔ Horn and lights
✔ Brake system
✔ Suspension components
✔ Undercarriage for leaks or damage
If we find any issues, we’ll provide a detailed estimate and let you know what’s urgent and what can wait. No pressure—just honest advice to keep you safe on the road.
Signs Your Car Needs Maintenance Before the Scheduled Time
Even if you’re following your maintenance schedule, sometimes your car will let you know it needs attention sooner. Watch for these warning signs:
⚠️ Strange noises (squealing brakes, grinding sounds, engine knocking)
⚠️ Dashboard warning lights staying on
⚠️ Vibrations or pulling when braking
⚠️ Decreased fuel efficiency
⚠️ Difficulty starting the vehicle
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—getting your car checked early can save you from major repairs later.
Seasonal Maintenance Considerations
Winter Prep:
❄️ Battery testing (cold weather drains batteries faster)
❄️ Checking antifreeze levels
❄️ Inspecting tire tread for better traction on icy roads
❄️ Replacing wiper blades with winter-grade ones
Summer Prep:
☀️ A/C system check and refrigerant refill
☀️ Coolant system flush to prevent overheating
☀️ Checking tire pressure (heat expands air in tires, affecting performance)
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. If your car is due for service, schedule an appointment with S.P.O.T.S. today! Call us at (309) 582-8378 or stop by at 509 SW 3rd St, Aledo, IL.