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Routine maintenance is practical, yet some motorists skip out on services that save them frustration and circumvent higher expenses later. You may have a friend or family member in this category of driver, or you might be one yourself. If most people recognize the benefits of maintenance, why would anyone choose to not follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines?

Two constraints are time and money. Unless you're covered under a maintenance program, you need to pay something to have your vehicle looked at by a technician. While most folks understand vehicles need maintenance, not everyone preps for the eventual cost. Drivers may underestimate the number of miles they will drive in a year, meeting their mileage maintenance interval sooner than expected. They may also have tight budgets and not as much to put away for routine maintenance services.

Other motorists opt out of maintenance for DIY jobs. For those who know what they're doing, it's a way to save money while taking care of a vehicle. However, it means foregoing an official service. If you plan on keeping your vehicle until the end of its service life, that won't be of much consequence. If you foresee the possibility of selling in the future, having a record of maintenance can help you negotiate a better price. This is why it's important to save receipts for any maintenance products purchased, such as oil. An automotive service center can also help you keep track of your vehicle's service history, so it's easier to have the information you need down the road.

Last, there are drivers who plan on taking their vehicles in for maintenance but forget or have "other things to do." We recommend making car maintenance one of those "things to do" because we believe it is worth the time. Driving causes wear and tear, so your vehicle can show its miles as time goes on—even if it doesn't look like it on the outside. As for forgetting, if you're reading this article now, when was the last time you had auto maintenance performed? Now might be a good time to check and make a note in your calendar.

When it's time for preventive maintenance, contact Dave's Auto Service in Mountlake Terrace, WA. We'll help you keep your vehicle operating properly, so you can enjoy the road adventures to come with peace of mind.