Don't Miss a Beat (Importance of Regular Maintenance)
September 12, 2021
In many places, license plates have to be renewed every year or else you can't drive your vehicle legally. Usually, you'll get a reminder from the agency that issues the plates.
That kind of regular attention needs to be paid to your vehicle as well. Its manufacturer has determined a schedule of service items that need to be done regularly, just like renewing your plates.
Some depend on time, others depend on distance. A perfect example is oil changes. It's the most important scheduled maintenance you can have done to give your engine its longest life possible. The manufacturer recommends the oil filter be changed at the same time.
Here are some more items. Your engine air filter gets dirty and needs adequate air to run most efficiently. The manufacturer recommends an interval for replacing that. Also tires, brake pads, timing belt, oxygen sensor and other items require regular replacement.
This is one of the reasons to find a service facility that you like and keep going there. Many will keep records of what's been done to your vehicle and send you reminders of when it's time to schedule service items. Some do it by mail, others by email. Still others might text you or give you a phone call. Remember, they base those reminders on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
We all have a lot going on in our lives, so these reminders can help you avoid missing important service items that are important to your vehicle's durability and safety. So if you move or change phone numbers or email addresses, make sure your vehicle service facility gets the word. Otherwise you won't get the reminders and your service advisor will wonder what's happened to you!
At the same time, you might want to let your vehicle manufacturer know when you've changed your address, phone number or email address. If there is a safety recall or your manufacturer is offering an extended warranty on some of your vehicle's systems, they'll need to reach you.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto

Spend Less, Drive More: Go Synthetic
August 2, 2026
Oil changes are vital to your engine because clean oil is essential to make it efficient, reliable and last a long time. One of the big breakthroughs in oil technology is synthetic oil. It does a superior job of protecting modern engines and makes them perform better than conventional oil. The ... More

Tread Carefully: What Normal Tire Wear Looks Like
July 26, 2026
Every day we get in our vehicle and drive, we are putting wear and tear on our tires. Some wear is, of course, normal, but its important to know whats NOT normal. Not only can that alert you to potential safety issues, I can also save you money and fuel. Your tires tread (the part that contacts t... More

Can This Tire Be Saved? A Guide to Tire Repair vs. Replacement
July 19, 2026
When something goes wrong with one of your tires, one of the first things that goes through your head is: Do I have to buy a new tire, or is it possible to save this one with a repair? Understanding when you can have a tire fixed and when you need it replaced can prevent you from driving an unsaf... More
