Did you ever pull out of your Johnsburg driveway, head down the road and not find yourself surprised when your car, truck or SUV broke down? When are automotive breakdowns expected? Did you ever call your boss to tell them you’d be late when leaving home for work: “I just wanted to let you know I’ll be late today. My engine is going to overheat halfway there.”

Those conversations don’t happen because people don’t like to breakdown on the road somewhere. If there’s a problem with your car, truck or SUV, you want to deal with it on your own terms. You want to bring it to a shop near your Johnsburg home before you’re stuck somewhere waiting for a tow truck.

The real key is to perform regular maintenance as prescribed in the owner’s manual. The auto manufacturer knows what to expect in terms of when different parts need service or replacement. Conduct this maintenance on time, and you’ll probably avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Think about it this way: while performing maintenance, even something as simple as an oil change, the auto repair technician will have a chance to look over your car, truck or SUV. If something unexpected is damaged there’s a good chance they’ll see it and you can avoid the breakdown with a proactive approach.

Staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule helps if you keep a maintenance record. There are several good reasons to keep a record of the maintenance performed on your vehicle, including:

Helps you keep track of the service performed so required maintenance doesn’t get away from you.

Serves as a reference if you’re experiencing problems with your car, truck or SUV. For instance, an auto repair technician may ask, “When did you last have an alignment on your vehicle?” Or “When was your last brake job?”

• Provides a record of maintenance if you’re selling the car, truck or SUV. This can help maintain the vehicle’s resale value.
• With timely maintenance, you’re ensure greater reliability.
• You’ll save on the overall costs of your vehicle.

Regular maintenance helps you to avoid nasty roadside surprises. A vehicle maintenance log helps keep you on track so that you can pull out of your Johnsburg driveway with the greatest possible confidence in your car, truck or SUV.