Don’t wait until your vehicle breaks down to bring it in for car services. You can avoid expensive repairs and extend its life by keeping up with routine auto maintenance. When it comes to upkeep, there are a few tasks that are more important than others.

Here are three car services the pros at P & T Automotive Repair in High Point, NC, say you should never skip:

• Oil Changes: Motor oil is essential to keeping your car’s engine parts moving properly and preventing them from overheating. However, when the oil starts to break down, it can no longer do its job effectively, and your engine becomes vulnerable to irreversible damage. Make sure you know how often your car’s manufacturer recommends changing the oil, and don’t put off this important auto maintenance task.
• Brake Pad Replacements: When your brake pads start to wear down, your car can’t stop as quickly, and you’re more likely to get into a fender bender. Make a habit of having your brake pads checked every time you get an oil change so you know when they need to be replaced. And if you hear a high-pitched squeal coming from your brakes, head to your mechanic immediately. Beyond the safety risk, driving on worn brake pads can cause damage to your rotors that’s expensive to fix.
• Tire Rotations & Replacements: Like your brakes, your car’s tires are essential to keeping you safe on the road. When the tread on your tires gets too low, you’ll experience longer braking times, less traction on slick roads, and potentially even a dangerous blowout. You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to keep an even amount of wear on all four of them, and replace them as soon as the tread depth reaches 1/16th of an inch or less. How long a set of tires will last depends on your driving habits, but most tires are rated to last about 50,000 miles.

Putting off important car services can mean big repair bills down the line. Avoid unexpected expenses by sticking to an auto maintenance schedule and calling P & T Automotive Repair at (336) 869-8051 whenever you’re due for an oil change, tire rotation, or brake pad replacement. You can also visit them online to learn more about their reliable, affordable services.