Best Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

Frank’s Country Auto – 6377 Partners Ave, Marion, IA 52302 | Call 319-200-4384

Your car is one of your most valuable investments—and one of the most essential. Whether you’re commuting daily, running errands around Marion, or heading out for a weekend trip, you rely on your vehicle to get you where you need to go safely and reliably. The good news? You don’t have to be a mechanic to keep your car in great shape. With some basic maintenance and a little consistency, you can extend the life of your car by years—saving money and avoiding costly repairs.

At Frank’s Country Auto, we’ve seen firsthand how proper maintenance can keep a vehicle running strong well past 200,000 miles. Here are our top maintenance tips to help maximize your car’s lifespan and protect your investment.

1. Stick to a Regular Oil Change Schedule

This is the golden rule of car maintenance. Your engine oil keeps all the moving parts lubricated, cool, and free of sludge. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated, leading to increased friction and engine wear.

Tip:

Change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil, or 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil. Always check your vehicle’s manual and consult our team for recommendations based on your driving habits.

At Frank’s Country Auto, we offer quick, affordable oil changes right here in Marion to help keep your engine clean and running smoothly.

2. Check and Replace Fluids Regularly

Your vehicle relies on more than just engine oil. Other essential fluids include:

Transmission fluid

Coolant (antifreeze)

Brake fluid

Power steering fluid

Windshield washer fluid

Each of these fluids serves a specific function, and low or dirty levels can cause mechanical damage or safety issues.

Tip:

Check fluid levels monthly, and flush or top off according to manufacturer recommendations. If you’re not sure what to check or how, stop by Frank’s for a free diagnostic check.

3. Rotate and Align Your Tires

Your tires are your car’s connection to the road, and uneven wear can lead to poor fuel economy, rough handling, and premature tire replacement.

Tip:

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and check alignment annually or whenever you notice pulling, vibration, or uneven tread wear. We’ll help you maintain even wear and a smoother ride.

Proper tire maintenance also extends the life of suspension and steering components, saving you money long-term.

4. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights

The check engine light, ABS light, or tire pressure warning isn’t just there to annoy you. It’s your car’s way of saying something needs attention.

Tip:

If a light comes on, don’t ignore it. Come to Frank’s Country Auto, and we’ll run a full diagnostic to uncover the issue. Catching small problems early prevents larger (and more expensive) ones later.

5. Keep Your Car Clean Inside and Out

Dirt, grime, and salt—especially during Iowa winters—can corrode your paint, undercarriage, and brake lines. Meanwhile, neglecting the interior can result in worn upholstery and reduced resale value.

Tip:

Wash your car regularly, especially in winter

Wax twice a year to protect paint

Vacuum the interior and clean the dashboard to prevent wear and fading

A clean car is not only nicer to drive—it lasts longer, too.

6. Replace Filters as Needed

Your engine, cabin, and fuel filters all play crucial roles:

Engine air filter: Prevents dust and debris from entering the engine

Cabin air filter: Keeps the air inside your car clean

Fuel filter: Prevents contaminants from reaching the fuel injectors

Tip:

Change the engine air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and the cabin filter once a year. Fuel filters typically last longer but should be replaced per your car’s maintenance schedule.

We can check these during your next service at Frank’s.

7. Inspect Belts and Hoses

Your serpentine belt, timing belt, and various hoses are critical to the function of your engine, alternator, air conditioning, and power steering. When they crack or wear out, they can leave you stranded—or worse, cause engine failure.

Tip:

Have belts and hoses checked every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if you hear squealing or see visible wear. Our techs at Frank’s will look them over during routine service.

8. Don’t Skip Brake Maintenance

Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. Over time, brake pads wear down, rotors get scored, and brake fluid degrades.

Tip:

Have brakes inspected every 10,000 to 15,000 miles

Replace pads around 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving style

Flush brake fluid every 2–3 years to prevent corrosion

Frank’s Country Auto offers free brake inspections so you can drive with confidence in Marion and beyond.

9. Watch the Battery Health

Your car battery powers everything from the starter to the infotainment system. Cold Iowa winters can shorten its life significantly.

Tip:

Test your battery annually after it hits 3 years old

Clean corrosion from terminals

Replace the battery every 4–5 years, depending on your vehicle

If your car struggles to start, bring it to Frank’s and we’ll check your battery for free.

10. Keep Up With Scheduled Maintenance

Every car comes with a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. This includes oil changes, inspections, part replacements, and more.

Tip:

Follow this schedule to the letter. Skipping major services—like a timing belt replacement or transmission fluid flush—can cause thousands in repairs.

At Frank’s, we’ll help you stay on track by reviewing your vehicle’s manual and providing reminders for upcoming services.

11. Drive Responsibly

Your driving habits directly impact your vehicle’s health. Quick starts, harsh stops, speeding, and aggressive cornering all increase wear on the engine, brakes, transmission, and tires.

Tip:

Ease into acceleration and braking

Avoid potholes and rough roads (when possible)

Drive the speed limit and coast when you can

A gentle driving style can add years to your car’s lifespan.

12. Store Your Vehicle Wisely

If you’re not driving your car regularly, it still needs attention:

Tip:

Park in a garage or shaded area

Start and run the engine every couple of weeks

Keep tires inflated to prevent flat spots

Disconnect the battery if parked long-term

Even if your vehicle is sitting, weather and time can still cause damage.

13. Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure reduces fuel efficiency, increases tire wear, and makes your car harder to control.

Tip:

Check your tire pressure monthly (especially in changing temperatures) and before long trips. Your correct pressure is listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door, not on the tire itself.

14. Inspect Lights and Wipers

Safe driving requires full visibility and communication with other drivers.

Tip:

Replace headlight and taillight bulbs promptly

Change wiper blades every 6–12 months

Top off windshield washer fluid

Driving without proper visibility is dangerous, especially during Iowa’s rainy spring and snowy winter seasons.

15. Build a Relationship With Your Local Mechanic

Having a trusted mechanic who knows your vehicle history is one of the best things you can do to extend the life of your car.

At Frank’s Country Auto, we treat every vehicle like it’s our own. We’ll get to know your car, catch issues early, and help you make smart, affordable decisions to keep it running strong.

Final Thoughts: Maintenance Pays Off

Car repairs are never fun, but most of them are preventable with regular maintenance. By investing a little time and money now, you can avoid breakdowns, save thousands in repairs, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in top shape.

At Frank’s Country Auto in Marion, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a simple oil change, a scheduled inspection, or a full diagnostic, we’ll provide expert service with honesty and care.

Schedule Your Next Maintenance Visit Today

📍 Frank’s Country Auto

6377 Partners Ave, Marion, IA 52302

📞 319-200-4384

Whether your car has 30,000 miles or 130,000 miles, it’s never too late to start taking better care of it. Stop by Frank’s and let us help you drive with confidence—mile after mile.

Frank’s Country Auto – Keeping Marion’s Cars Running Like New

Local, honest, experienced. We’re here when your car needs us.