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Understanding Your Car’s Maintenance Schedule: A Guide from Lonsdale Auto Works Experts

Understanding your car’s maintenance schedule in Lonsdale, MN. with Lonsdale Auto Works. Image of shop owner Scott Pelava and mechanic checking tire tread on car raised on car lift in shop for maintenance check.

Maintaining your vehicle is essential for its longevity and safety. At Lonsdale Auto Works, an award-winning auto repair shop in Lonsdale, MN, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge and providing value for our services. Understanding your car maintenance schedule is crucial in keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Let’s break down what a typical car maintenance schedule looks like.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance in Lonsdale, MN

Before diving into the schedule, it’s important to understand why regular maintenance is vital. Preventative maintenance can help:

  1. Extend your car’s lifespan: Regular checks and repairs can keep your car in top shape for longer.
  2. Prevent costly repairs: Catching issues early can save you money in the long run.
  3. Ensure safety: Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle is safe to drive.
  4. Improve performance and fuel efficiency: Well-maintained cars run more efficiently.

Your Car Maintenance Schedule Explained

Every 3,000 to 7,000 Miles

Oil and Filter Change

One of the most basic and crucial maintenance tasks is changing the oil and oil filter. They keep the engine components lubricated, reducing wear and tear. Oil filter replacements go hand-in-hand with oil changes to ensure contaminants are removed from the engine oil.

Every 15,000 to 30,000 Miles

Air Filter Replacement

A clean air filter ensures efficient airflow to the engine, improving performance and fuel economy.

Fuel System Check

This includes inspecting the fuel filter and fuel injectors. A clogged fuel filter can lead to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption.

Every 20,000 to 40,000 Miles

Brake Inspection

Regular brake checks are critical for safety. This includes examining brake pads, discs, and fluid to ensure your braking system is reliable.

Every 30,000 to 60,000 Miles

Battery Check

Car batteries typically last around 3-5 years. Get your battery checked around this interval to ensure it’s holding a charge properly.

Coolant System

Ensure your coolant system is inspected, and if necessary, flushed to keep your engine at the right temperature.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid lubricates the transmission’s moving parts. Changing this fluid is vital for the smooth operation and longevity of the transmission.

Every 60,000 to 100,000 Miles

Spark Plugs and Ignition System

Worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires and reduced fuel efficiency. Replacing them can boost performance and economy.

Timing Belt

The timing belt synchronizes the engine’s valves and pistons. A broken timing belt can cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to replace it per your manufacturer’s recommendation.

Lonsdale Auto Works: Your Partner in Car Maintenance

At Lonsdale Auto Works, we’re equipped with modern tools like Hunter Alignment, Robinair A/C machines, and Autel and Snap-On diagnostic tools to perform comprehensive maintenance services. We offer loaner cars, pick-up and drop-off services, and a 36-month, 36,000-mile nationwide warranty through TechNet.

Why Choose Us?

As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers and the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, we advocate for the best practices in the industry. Our commitment to ethics, trustworthiness, and reliability, combined with our community involvement, makes us your ideal car maintenance partner near Lonsdale, MN.

For any maintenance needs, call us at 507-744-3304 or visit us at 616 Industrial Drive SE, Lonsdale, MN. You can also schedule an appointment at https://lonsdaleautoworksinc.com. Trust Lonsdale Auto Works to keep your car running smoothly with regular, preventative maintenance.

KC Eyton

Technician

KC Eyton is our Light Duty Auto Technician where she serves in support for our other technicians and provides inspection, maintence and tire services and assists the front counter. KC has been with us since 2021.

WHAT KC LOVES ABOUT WORKING AT LAW:
Being an automotive technician at LAW has allowed me to learn & do what I’m passionate about. I enjoy the fast-paced environment filled with challenges & feeling a sense of accomplishment when I’ve used my knowledge & experience to solve an issue. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people who care about my personal well-being & professional growth. I love how my boss Scott constantly believes in me. He pushes me to take on projects that I think are way beyond my abilities. I am so grateful for the mentorship & support. This truly creates a family environment where everyone is there for each other. I love my job!

Chris Waskosky

Technician

Chris Waskosky is a Master Auto Technician and has an extensive background in vehicle diagnostics, powertrain management systems and electronics. Chris joined our team in 2011. Chris has a lifetime of mechanical experience from vintage steam engines, to carburetors, to the latest in high-tech modern automobile systems.

WHAT CHRIS LOVES ABOUT WORKING AT LAW:
Along with having a fun work environment, I enjoy a variety of jobs I can do. One vehicle may be an oil change, but the next vehicle may be using a lab scope to find a communication problem between computers. Every day brings new vehicles and new challenges.

Denise Davis

Service Manager

Service Manger, Denise Davis joined our team in 2018. Her experience in customer service, retail sales as well as store & employee management is extensive.

Denise has a great ability to transform the complexity of modern automobiles into easy to understand explanations that help bring comfort & confidence to our clients. Whether dealing with a simple oil change or a complete engine replacement, she will take the time to explain the issues in a manner that is understandable and she provides our clients with the information required to help them make an informed decision about their vehicle repairs. She is always willing to help with whatever questions & concerns you may have.

Scott Palava

Owner

Lonsdale Auto Works was founded in 2005 by owner, Scott Pelava.

As an ASE-Certified Master Auto Technician, Advanced Engine Performance Specialist, Undercar Specialist, and Service Consultant, he saw the need for a more modern auto service center in the fast growing community of Lonsdale. A strong background in domestic and import vehicles helped formed the vision of what Lonsdale Auto Works is today.

Starting with one apprentice, he built a reputation for quality service and fair pricing. As the need arose, additional technicians joined his team to keep up with our customers’ need for fast, quality service.

Scott is also very active in the community. He is currently in his fourth term as a Lonsdale City Council Member. He has held numerous leadership positions with the local Boy Scout Troop and at the District and Council levels. He is the Past President of the Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Lonsdale Lions Club.

Scott has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to the auto repair industry. In 2017 he founded ASOG (Auto Shop Owners Group) in an effort to provide support to other repair shop owners. The organization has grown to the largest in the world. As a result, Scott was named in the Top 100 People in World the Automotive & Transportation as well as listed in the Marquis Who’s Who of Business in America.