Omaha Auto Repair vs. Maintenance: What’s the Difference?
Need Maintenance or Repairs? We’ve Got You Covered
At T.O. Haas Tire & Auto, we provide all the resources, tools, and professionals you need to keep your vehicle running at its best throughout its lifetime. Whether you need trustworthy automotive maintenance services or you're looking for reliable Omaha auto repair, we encourage you to look no further than T.O. Haas Tire & Auto.
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However, we understand that not all drivers are automotive experts, and not every driver understands the difference between auto repair and automotive preventive maintenance. While the two may sometimes be used interchangeably, they are, in fact, very different types of service.
Let's unpack the differences between auto repair and maintenance, and be sure to schedule an appointment with T.O. Haas Tire & Auto for all of your automotive needs.
Understanding the Basics of Automotive Maintenance
Automotive maintenance is caring for your vehicle by performing services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and other services that promote your vehicle’s ideal operation and reliability. Some drivers scratch their heads when it comes to automotive maintenance and are unsure of their vehicles' particular service needs. Although they may stay on top of their oil changes, they may need Omaha auto repair services more often because other vehicle components are neglected.
To best understand your vehicle’s service needs, you can find your manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Here, you'll find a prescribed list of services and their recommended frequency to promote reliability and minimize your need for Omaha auto repair services.
Some drivers who have purchased their vehicle pre-owned may not have the owner's manual. Thankfully, the owner's manual of many make and model vehicles can be found online and downloaded for free.
Your Vehicle's Most Common Services
While the needs of various make and model vehicles will vary depending on your manufacturer recommendations, as well as your driving habits, here are some average service intervals for the various components of your vehicle:
- Oil change — Every 5,000-10,000 miles (depending on the oil type used)
- Tire rotation — Every 7,500 miles
- Coolant flush — Every three years or 36,000 miles
- Brake fluid flush — Every two years or 30,000 miles
- Car battery replacement — Every three years
- Brake pad replacement — Every 15,000-80,000 miles
- Brake rotor replacement — Every 50,000-70,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change — Every 60,000-100,000 miles
The “411” on Auto Repair
Automotive repair is repairing or replacing your vehicle’s faulty components. Auto repair can be something minor, such as the replacement of an oxygen sensor, or something major, such as an engine or transmission replacement.
Although there is no way to 100% avoid the need for Omaha auto repair, you can minimize the chances of needing auto repair services by staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule. For example, an oil change is one of the most basic and most common services that you'll perform on your vehicle. While this service may seem routine, it's vital for the health of your engine. Failing to perform a routine oil change can lead to irreversible engine damage that could cost thousands of dollars in auto repair. In contrast, if you survey owners of high-mileage vehicles and ask them what they did to help their vehicle maintain such longevity, one of the most common answers you would hear would be “routine oil changes.”
How To Know When Your Vehicle Needs Auto Repair
Sometimes, it's obvious when your vehicle needs Omaha auto repair services, and sometimes it's not. Here are a few ways to tell whether or not your vehicle may need to visit our auto repair shop:
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is your vehicle's way of telling you it senses that one of its components has failed. When your check engine light comes on, we recommend you schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle to T.O. Haas Tire & Auto for diagnosis at your earliest convenience. Continuing to drive with an illuminated check engine light can cause your vehicle to break down and cost even more in auto repairs.
The Vehicle Is Pulling to One Side
If your vehicle pulls to one side, you may need a wheel alignment service. Over time, the various bumps and imperfections in the road can cause your wheels to move ever so slightly out of alignment, which can cause your vehicle to pull to one side or the other. While no warning light will illuminate if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment, continuing to drive with your wheels out of alignment can cause irreversible damage to your tires and suspension.
The Vehicle Doesn’t Feel Right
There are times when your vehicle may behave strangely but no warning light has illuminated. Sometimes this problem may only happen intermittently. If this is the case, we recommend taking a video of the problem, if possible, and scheduling an appointment with our Omaha auto repair shop. One of our mechanics can view your video and perform a multi-point inspection to see if they can pinpoint what is causing your vehicle to behave this way.
For All of Your Automotive Needs, Trust T.O Haas Tire & Auto
At T.O. Haas Tire & Auto, finding quality Omaha auto repair services is as easy as scheduling an appointment. Each of our mechanics is ASE-certified and performs maintenance and repair services on all make and model vehicles. In addition, we use high-quality replacement parts and fluids, so you can always trust that your vehicle is in the best hands.
Schedule an appointment with T.O. Haas Tire & Auto today and enjoy trustworthy auto repair in Omaha, NE!