Understanding Severe Service Maintenance: What You Need to Know
April 30, 2024
When it comes to taking care of your car, following the right maintenance schedule is crucial.
But did you know that there are two types of schedules?
Your vehicle manufacturer provides both a regular schedule and a severe service schedule. Understanding which one is right for you can make a big difference in keeping your car running smoothly.
What is Severe Service?
Before we dive into the details, let's talk about what qualifies as severe service. If any of the following conditions apply to your driving habits, you may fall into the severe service category:
- Most of your trips are short, less than four miles.
- You frequently drive short distances, less than 10 miles, in freezing temperatures.
- Your engine operates at low speeds most of the time, such as city driving..
- You drive in dusty or dirty environments.
- You regularly tow trailers or carry heavy loads.
- You frequently drive in extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold.
Why It Matters
So, why does it matter if you fall into the severe service category? Well, it all comes down to how your car's engine and components are affected by these conditions.
Oil Contamination
: Short trips and cold weather can lead to moisture buildup in the engine oil, causing sludge that can damage your engine. Changing your oil more frequently helps prevent this.
High Stress Conditions:
Towing, carrying heavy loads, and driving in extreme weather put extra stress on your engine and transmission, leading to faster breakdown of fluids and depletion of additives meant to protect your vehicle.
Dusty Environments
: Dust and dirt can contaminate fluids more quickly, leading to clogged filters and decreased efficiency.
Choosing the Right Schedule
Now that you understand the importance of the severe service schedule, how do you know if it's right for you? Consider your driving habits and environment. If you frequently drive short distances, tow trailers, or encounter extreme weather, the severe service schedule may be more appropriate for your vehicle.
Get Personalized Advice
Still not sure which schedule to follow? Don't worry – that's where we come in. At David's Automotive Repair, we're here to help you navigate the world of maintenance schedules. Our friendly and reliable service advisers can provide personalized advice based on your specific driving needs. Whether you need help restoring your vehicle or simply want to know the best schedule to follow, we've got you covered.
Conclusion
Taking care of your car is essential for its longevity and performance. By understanding the differences between regular and severe service maintenance schedules, you can make informed decisions about how to care for your vehicle. So, if you're unsure which schedule is right for you, remember to err on the side of protection and consult with the experts at David's Automotive Repair. Your car will thank you for it!
They connect the control arms to the wheels, allowing them to move smoothly while steering and driving over bumps. Over time, ball joints wear out, which can make your car harder to control and less safe to drive. If your ball joints are going bad, you might hear clunking or squeaking noises when turning or driving over rough roads. Your steering may feel loose, or your car might pull to one side. In some cases, worn ball joints can cause uneven tire wear, making it harder to keep your car driving straight. If a ball joint completely fails, it can cause a wheel to shift out of place, leading to a dangerous situation. Driving with bad ball joints can put extra stress on your suspension and lead to costly repairs. If your car isn’t handling like it should, it may be time for some suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll inspect your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
It connects both sides of the suspension, helping your tires stay firmly on the road. The sway bar end links attach the bar to the suspension and allow it to do its job. Over time, these parts can wear out, making your car feel less stable and harder to control. If your sway bar or end links are worn, you might hear clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps. Your car may feel loose or wobbly when turning, and in some cases, it might lean more than usual in curves. Damaged sway bar components can also affect your steering, making it feel less responsive. Ignoring a worn sway bar or broken end links can lead to poor handling and extra stress on your suspension. If your car isn’t feeling as stable as it should, it may be time for a suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure everything is working properly. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
They work with your struts or shocks to keep your ride smooth and stable. Over time, springs can weaken or even break, making your car harder to control and less comfortable to drive. If your springs are worn out or broken, you might notice your car sitting lower than normal, especially on one side. You may also hear clunking noises when driving over bumps or feel your ride becoming rougher. In some cases, broken springs can make your car lean in turns or cause extra strain on other suspension parts. Driving with bad springs can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and more expensive repairs down the road. If your car isn’t riding as smoothly as it should, it may be time for a suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll inspect your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
If something doesn’t feel quite right—like squeaking, grinding, or a longer stop than usual—it’s time to get them checked. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’re offering a FREE brake inspection to give you peace of mind and keep your family safe on the road. Plus, take $25 OFF your brake pad and rotor replacement when service is needed! What We Check During Your Free Brake Inspection: When you bring your vehicle in, our certified technicians will perform a complete brake system inspection, including: • Brake pad thickness • Rotor condition • Brake fluid level and quality • Brake caliper performance • Brake lines and hoses • Parking brake (emergency brake) function • Signs of uneven wear or damage • Test drive to check braking response If your brakes need attention, we’ll walk you through what we find in simple terms and offer a no-pressure recommendation. Don’t wait until you hear a grinding noise—book your free brake inspection today and save $25 if you need brake service! 📅 Schedule Your Reservation Now Upon drop off of your vehicle, let your service advisor know that you want your FREE brake inspection AND $25 off brake pads and rotors! 📍 Serving The Colony, Castle Hills, Frisco, Little Elm, Lewisville & beyond 📞 Call us at 972-625-1836
They absorb bumps, support your car’s weight, and help with steering and braking. Over time, they wear out, making your car harder to handle and less comfortable to drive. If your struts are bad, you might notice your car bouncing too much after hitting a bump or feeling shaky when turning. The front end may dip forward when you brake, or you might hear clunking noises when driving over rough roads. Worn struts can also cause your tires to wear unevenly, making it harder to stop and steer, especially in bad weather. Driving with bad struts can lead to bigger suspension problems and more costly repairs. If your car feels rough or isn’t handling like it should, it may be time for suspension repair. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure your car is safe to drive. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
Over time, they wear out, making your car harder to control and less comfortable to drive. When shocks go bad, you might notice your car bouncing more than usual, especially after hitting a bump. The front end may dip forward when you brake, or the back end may squat when you accelerate. You might also hear clunking noises or feel your steering becoming less responsive. Worn shocks can even cause uneven tire wear, which affects your car’s grip on the road. If your ride feels rough or your car isn’t handling like it used to, it’s time for an inspection. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll check your suspension and make sure everything is working as it should. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
They hold the brake pads and press them against the rotors when you step on the brake pedal, helping your car slow down or stop. Over time, calipers can wear out or get stuck due to dirt, rust, or leaks. When this happens, your car might pull to one side, your brake pads may wear unevenly, or you could notice a burning smell after driving. A stuck caliper can put extra stress on your brakes and tires, leading to bigger and more expensive problems. If your brakes don’t feel right, it’s best to have them checked before the issue gets worse. At David’s Automotive Repair, we’ll make sure your brakes are working properly. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today.
Over time, both wear down from the friction created every time you press the brake pedal. Brake pads are designed to press against the rotors, creating the stopping power needed to slow your car. When pads wear too thin, they can’t grip properly, leading to longer stopping distances and potential damage to the rotors. Rotors, the metal discs that the pads press against, also wear down and can become damaged and grooved, causing vibrations or squealing noises when braking. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel vibrations when stopping, it may be time to have your brake system checked. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more expensive repairs and put your safety at risk. At David’s Automotive Repair, we inspect your brakes to ensure everything is working as it should. If you’re noticing any issues, give us a call at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation.
Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your vans on the road, prevent costly repairs, and avoid unexpected downtime. Routine services like brake inspections, tire rotations, fluid checks and flushes, battery testing, and alignments help extend the life of your fleet and improve fuel efficiency. Catching small issues early—like unusual noises, sluggish performance, or dashboard warnings—can prevent bigger problems down the road. When repairs are needed, getting them done quickly is essential to keeping your business on track. At David’s Automotive Repair, we know that every minute your van is off the road costs your business time and money. That’s why we offer same-day repairs whenever possible to get your fleet back in action fast. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation and keep your vans running strong!
One common cause is low coolant levels. Your engine needs coolant to stay at the right temperature, and if there’s a leak or not enough fluid, it can overheat. A failing thermostat might also be to blame. If it gets stuck, it can prevent coolant from flowing properly. Other possible causes include a faulty water pump, a clogged radiator, or a broken cooling fan, all of which help regulate engine temperature. If your temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s best to have your car checked right away. Driving with an overheating engine can lead to costly repairs or even a breakdown. At David’s Automotive Repair, we can diagnose the problem and get your cooling system working properly again. Call us at 972-625-1836 to schedule a reservation today!
