Despite the spread of the coronavirus, you still need to drive at least occasionally. That means your vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired now and then. Even the U.S. government recognizes that, which is why they consider ours an essential business.
Here’s an abridged version of the official word:
“The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has developed an Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce advisory list…to [ensure] continuity of functions critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.”
Among those on the essential workers list: “Employees who repair and maintain vehicles...”
We mention that for two reasons:
1) You have “official permission” to venture out if your vehicle needs to be repaired or serviced.
2) If you delay certain types of maintenance now, you may pay higher repair or replacement costs down the road.
Here are a few examples.
Two Ways Skipping Oil Changes Can Cost You
Motor oil contains detergents that clean your engine. When the miles add up, those detergents break down, allowing carbon and sludge to accumulate. As a result, a part known as the IVT control solenoid can become plugged. Replacing it costs a lot more than an oil change.
But mileage isn’t the only concern. If too much time passes between oil changes, acids can build up in the oil, which can lead to even more serious engine damage. So, even if you only drive your vehicle a few hundred miles per month, have the oil changed at least once per year.
A Quick Way to Ruin a Tire
Think how you’d feel wearing tight pants on a hot summer day. The word “chaffing” might come to mind. Your tire experiences the same sort of damage if you drive on it too long while it’s underinflated.
Because the air pressure isn’t substantial enough to push the tire outward, the sidewall folds in on itself, which creates more heat and friction than usual. That causes the tire to start rubbing itself away. Evidence of the damage will show up on the inside of the tire as handfuls of rubber pellets or dust.
We’re open and ready to serve you with any type of vehicle maintenance and repair. Schedule an online appointment or pull into the nearest Mountain View Tire and Auto Service location.
