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We all know that vehicle manufacturers have recommended service schedules. Following these recommended service intervals is crucial for keeping your vehicle running efficiently. The engineers that have designed your vehicle has tested the various components and systems to make sure they meet durability and safety standards.

Maintenance schedules are intended to achieve these standards. We put the benefits of following recommended maintenance intervals into three categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.

Protection. Let's begin with motor oil. The engineers recommend a particular weight and type of motor oil for every vehicle. Motor oil contains additives that keep the engine clean and free of corrosion. Over time, these additives get depleted. Then the oil starts to get contaminated by water, dirt and combustion gases.

By going beyond the recommended service intervals, your engine will have to operate without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can build-up in contaminated oil and clog passages in the engine, starving components from needed lubrication.

Efficiency. Some services are designed to keep automotive systems running smoothly. For example, the fuel system gets clogged up with gunk from the fuel. Which means the fuel can't flow efficiently and then decreases gas mileage. A fuel system cleaning will restore the fuel system's efficiency and increase your fuel economy.

The engine air filter is another example of efficiency. When your engine filter is clogged, the engine can’t get enough air to efficiently burn the fuel thereby decreasing fuel efficiency. A new engine air filter fixes that problem and immediately improves fuel economy.

Safety. Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. The manufacturer has scheduled brake pad replacement. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to prevent problems before they cause an accident. Tires are another important safety system. A simple tire inspection will reveal how much tread life is left, and show alignment, wheel balance and suspension issues.

Check your owner's manual to see all the recommended services for your vehicle or talk with your service advisor at Hilltop Tire Service by calling 515.262.5641.

You may be surprised to find out that various inspections are on your list of manufacturer recommendations. These inspections are usually at major intervals like 30,000 or 50,000 miles. They're intended to show you important parts that may be failing.

Your vehicle owner's manual can tell you when to change your oil, but it can't tell you that you have a radiator hose that's bulging and about to burst. For that, you need a trained auto service technician. These scheduled inspections are in addition to the multi-point inspections done with a full-service oil change.