Frequently Asked Questions

Why is maintenance so important?

Preventative maintenance for your vehicle is crucial for several reasons: 

Reliability:

• Fewer Breakdowns: Catching and addressing minor issues early prevents them from escalating into major problems that could leave you stranded.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your vehicle is in good condition provides confidence and reduces stress while driving.

Cost Savings:

• Avoid Costly Repairs: Early detection and repair of small problems are far less expensive than replacing major components that have failed due to neglect.

• Increased Resale Value: A well-maintained vehicle holds its value better, giving you a higher return on your investment when it's time to sell.

Longevity:

• Extended Lifespan: Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the overall lifespan of your vehicle, allowing you to enjoy it for longer.

• Improved Fuel Efficiency: Regular tune-ups and fluid replacements can optimize engine performance, leading to better fuel economy and lower operating costs.

Key Preventative Maintenance Tasks:

• Regular Oil Changes: Essential for engine lubrication and cooling.

• Tire Rotations and Inspections: Ensures even tire wear and prevents blowouts.

• Fluid Checks and Replacements: Monitor and replace fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid as recommended.

• Battery Checks: Ensure the battery is properly charged and functioning correctly.

• Air Filter Replacements: Clean air filters improve engine performance and fuel efficiency.

• Brake Inspections: Regularly check brake pads and rotors for wear and tear.

• Belt and Hose Inspections: Look for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks.

By adhering to a regular preventative maintenance schedule, you can significantly improve the safety, reliability, and longevity of your vehicle, while also saving money and reducing stress in the long run.

What on my car needs maintained and When?

In today's market new vehicles and repairs are getting more and more expensive. This is why preventative maintenance is so important. Many manufacturer's boast "lifetime fluids" in transmissions, 4X4/AWD transfer cases, differentials, and more. Although, what is not typically understood is that could mean only until the end of the manufacturer warranty period. Manufacturers also advertise extended engine oil changes, but this is primarily so they can advertise cheaper maintenance costs.

Parks Mobile recommends following our maintenance schedule in order to get the maximum life and resale value out of your vehicle. We aim to help you save money on costly repairs by keeping your vehicle properly maintained.

6 months or 5,000 miles

• Walk-around inspection – Inspect vehicle for obvious safety or mechanical defects.

• Oil and filter – Replace engine oil and filter per manufacturer specifications. 

• Headlights, fog lights, turn signals, brakes, and parking lights – Verify all lights are operational.

• Fluid levels – Check the levels of fluids, topping off as needed.

• Tire pressure and tread depth – Check and inflate tires to manufacturer specification. Inspect and verify tread depth is more than 2/32”.

• Windshield wiper fluid – Verify the reservoir has an adequate supply of wiper fluid. 

• Belts and hoses – Check belt(s) and hoses condition and for leaks from hoses.

• Wiper blades – Check wiper blade condition.

• Battery and cables – Verify battery and cables have tight connections and no corrosion or leaking fluid. 

• Battery and charging system performance check – Perform a battery load test and verify the alternator is charging the battery sufficiently.

• Chassis Lubrication – Lubricate all zerk fittings with grease (if applicable).

1 year or 10,000 miles 

• 6-Month/6,000 mile items +

• Air filters – Replace both the engine and cabin air filters.

• Rotate tires – Rotate tires between front and rear. Torque lug nuts to specification.

• Brakes – Inspect wear or of any possible issues.

• Inspect shocks, struts, and suspension – Check shocks, struts, and suspension components. Check for play in ball joints, bushings, and tie-rods.

• Coolant/Antifreeze – Test freezing point and inspect for contaminants.

• Diesel Fuel Filter/Water Separator – Replace diesel fuel filter and/or fuel/water separator (diesel engines only).

3 years or 30,000 miles

• Spark Plugs – Replace spark plugs with new.

• Accessory/Serpentine Belt(s) – Replace all serpentine, stretch, and/or v-belts. Inspect accessory pulleys, idlers, and tensioners.

• Gasoline Fuel Filter – Replace gasoline fuel filter (if serviceable, gasoline engines only).

10 years or 100,000 miles

• Transmission fluid and filter – Drain transmission fluid. Remove transmission oil pan, replace filter element,  and reinstall pan (if applicable). Refill transmission per manufacturer specifications.

• Differentials(s) – Replace front and rear differential oil (if applicable).

• Transfer case fluid – Drain and replace transfer case fluid (if applicable).