Maintenance on My Mind
May 14, 2018
Ask any Sterling Heights man or woman if they've taken their vehicle in for preventive maintenance lately, and the answer may well be “no.” Surveys indicate that over 80% of vehicles on the road today are in need of some kind of repair or maintenance. Now, ask that same person why he hasn't taken his car in for care. The answer will probably be that he forgot or that he just didn't think about it. Most Sterling Heights residents seem to have a hard time remembering about scheduled maintenance for their vehicles.
Funny, because most of us in Sterling Heights have no trouble remembering to wash our clothes, mow our lawns or brush our teeth. It isn't that we can't remember to take our vehicles for service; it's a matter of making it a priority.
When it comes to our vehicles, Sterling Heights drivers like myself, need to be a little more maintenance-minded. The fact is, we can choose to do it, or we might find ourselves being compelled to do it.
For example, when we consistently forget to brush our teeth, a major consequence usually follows. The pain of that experience usually compels us to be more mindful of our teeth and take better care of them.
The same goes for our vehicles. If we ignore them long enough, a painful experience is sure to follow—painful for our pocketbooks, that is. People in Sterling Heights who have gone through that experience are usually more conscientious about proper car care.
So, if you're not a fan of the school of hard knocks, at least when it comes to vehicle maintenance, remind yourself to look after your car. Pay attention to the little oil change tag on your windshield. When it's time take your car in, do it. But don't just change the oil. Get a full-service oil change at Sterling Tire & Auto. Your technician will then check all of your fluids. He can advise you if any of them need to be changed or if any of them are low.
Low fluid levels can indicate leaks or a worn hose or seal, so they can check those for you as well. Other signs of wear are also immediately evident when you get a full-service oil change, such as a cracked serpentine belt or corroded battery cable. Your Sterling Tire & Auto technician will also check the vehicle manufacturer's service recommendations for your vehicle and advise you of any other routine service that is coming due.
It's like a one-stop shop for auto advice that will keep you on top of your vehicle's maintenance.
If there is more to be done than the budget allows, you can get a picture of what needs to be done. Then, create a plan with your Sterling Tire & Auto service advisor and budget for it during the coming months. It's a whole lot less painful than unexpected car repairs.
Vehicles are more reliable than they ever have been. They can take a lot of abuse and neglect. But they're also expensive and complicated machines. Sterling Heights drivers can't expect them to run forever without proper fluids and filters. Preventive maintenance at Sterling Tire & Auto in Sterling Heights will improve the reliability and life expectancy of your vehicle, as well as ensuring your safety on the road in Michigan.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto

Helping Your Engine Breathe Easier
October 11, 2026
You may have heard someone tell you its time to replace your vehicles engine air filter and thought, Its OK. Ill do it in a while. While its tempting to put that off, keep in mind that having your engine air filter replaced is one of the easiest ways to maintain your vehicles performance and ef... More

Leaking Oil Isn’t Normal: When a Valve Cover Gasket Needs Replacing
October 4, 2026
Lets say you discover a little oil leak in your vehicle and you think, Its small. Its no big deal. Remember that no oil leak is ever normal, and it might be a sign that your valve cover gasket is failing. That gasket is what seals the top of your engine. It keeps oil inside while your engine ... More

Smooth Operator
September 27, 2026
Were used to bringing a vehicle to a stop and hardly noticing the engines even running when were sitting still. But sometimes you might notice it running rough when youre idling. Your vehicle is shaking, vibrating and making sputtering noises. You may even notice the tachometer on your instrum... More
