Common Vehicle Maintenance Mistakes You MUST Avoid

Your car is more than just a means of transportation, it’s a daily partner that gets you where you need to go. And like any reliable partner, it deserves regular attention and care. But even well-meaning drivers can fall into bad habits that harm their vehicle’s performance and longevity. At ABC Auto Repair in Burien, we’ve seen firsthand how these common maintenance mistakes can lead to big problems if left unchecked.

Let’s go over the top car maintenance mistakes to avoid and how you can keep your vehicle running strong.

1. Ignoring Tire Pressure

One of the simplest yet most overlooked tasks is checking tire pressure. Driving with under-inflated or over-inflated tires leads to:

• Uneven tread wear
• Reduced fuel economy
• Poor handling
• Increased blowout risk

Invest in a digital tire pressure gauge, and check your pressure at least once a month especially before long trips. Not sure where your tire PSI should be? Check the sticker inside your driver’s door or ask our team during your next routine maintenance in Burien.

2. Skipping Fluid Checks

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Regularly inspect and top off or replace:

• Engine oil
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid

Neglecting these can lead to overheating, poor performance, or worse complete system failure. Visit ABC Auto Repair for a comprehensive fluid check and fluid service.

3. Delaying Oil Changes

Skipping oil changes or stretching intervals too far can damage your engine. Old oil breaks down and stops lubricating your engine properly, which can lead to costly repairs.

Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer-recommended interval or ask us for guidance based on your driving habits. We offer both synthetic and synthetic blend oil changes right here in Burien.

4. Forgetting Air and Fuel Filter Replacements

Dirty or clogged air and fuel filters reduce performance and fuel economy. These filters keep harmful debris out of your engine and fuel system, and replacing them is inexpensive preventive maintenance.

When you stop in for an oil change or inspection, we’ll check these filters and recommend replacements when needed.

5. Skipping Brake Inspections

Brakes don’t usually fail overnight. They give off warning signs like squealing, grinding, or a spongy pedal feel. Ignoring these symptoms can compromise your safety and damage your rotors and calipers.

We recommend brake inspections in Burien every 6 months or with every other oil change. Our certified techs can replace your pads, resurface rotors, and check fluid levels on the spot.

6. Ignoring Battery Health

Many people don’t think about their battery until the car won’t start. But checking battery voltage, terminals, and corrosion can save you from a surprise breakdown.

Cold weather is especially tough on older batteries. At ABC Auto Repair, we’ll test your battery and let you know if it’s time for a replacement.

7. Neglecting Wheel Alignment

Poor wheel alignment causes more than just uneven tire wear. It puts stress on your steering and suspension components and can make your car pull to one side or vibrate at higher speeds.

We recommend getting a wheel alignment check once a year or any time you notice a change in handling.

Stay Ahead of Repairs with ABC Auto Repair in Burien

Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between a healthy vehicle and an unexpected breakdown. At ABC Auto Repair, we offer full-service vehicle maintenance from fluid services and tire checks to brakes, batteries, and engine diagnostics.