Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance has a few names from routine maintenance to factory maintenance.

Preventative maintenance is a checklist of vehicle components that a technician inspects to ensure your vehicle is at optimum efficiency. A few things they check are the exhaust, brake, oil, alignment of the wheels, tires, and more. This checklist will state if a vehicle needs certain services before the season shifts, and it will help a technician inform a driver of what services are needed on their vehicle, so it remains safe and reliable to drive.

Signs you need preventative maintenance:
• Strange engine noises when idling.
• Squealing brakes.
• Check engine light or maintenance light.
• Grinding noises.
• Rough idling.

Our technicians have an in-depth preventative maintenance list to go over your vehicle with to ensure maximum efficiency along with a set of services to keep you and your family safe for the season changes ahead. Contact us today!

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FAQ's

What is preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is routine service designed to keep your vehicle running safely and reliably. It focuses on inspecting and servicing key systems before small issues turn into expensive repairs.

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Why is preventative maintenance important?

Regular maintenance helps:

Extend the life of your vehicle
Improve reliability and fuel efficiency
Reduce the risk of breakdowns
Protect safety systems
Save money over time

Skipping maintenance often leads to higher repair costs later.

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What is included in preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance varies by vehicle, but commonly includes:

Oil and filter changes
Fluid inspections and services
Brake system inspections
Tire inspections and rotations
Belt and hose checks
Battery and charging system checks
Steering and suspension inspections

We follow manufacturer guidelines and tailor recommendations to your car and driving habits.

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How often should preventative maintenance be done?

Every vehicle has a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule. Many services are mileage-based (such as 30k, 60k, or 90k mile intervals), while others depend on time and driving conditions. We’ll help you understand what’s due now and what can wait.

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Is preventative maintenance the same as an oil change?

No. Oil changes are just one part of preventative maintenance. A full maintenance visit also includes inspections and services that help catch issues early and keep multiple systems working together.

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What happens if I skip preventative maintenance?

Delaying maintenance can lead to:

Premature engine or component wear
Reduced fuel efficiency
Unexpected breakdowns
Higher repair bills
Safety concerns

Preventative care is usually far less expensive than reactive repairs.

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Does preventative maintenance improve safety?

Yes. Routine inspections help ensure brakes, tires, steering, suspension, and fluids are in good condition — all critical for safe driving.

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How long does a preventative maintenance appointment take?

Most preventative maintenance services take about 60–90 minutes, depending on the vehicle and what services are due. We’ll always review findings with you before any additional work is done.

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How much does preventative maintenance cost?

Costs vary based on your vehicle and the services needed. We always inspect first, explain what we find, and separate immediate needs from future recommendations — no pressure.

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Why choose CarLife Auto Care for preventative maintenance?

Because we believe maintenance should come with clear explanations, honest recommendations, and respect for your decisions. Our goal is to help you take care of your car — not overwhelm you.

Not sure what your car needs right now? We’re happy to inspect it and explain what we find — no pressure, just clarity.How’s Your CarLife?

Discounted rentals available

Get back on the road in the meantime.

Local shuttle

Available during your vehicle's servicing.

2 Year / 24k Mile warranty

Offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Comfortable waiting area

You'll find Wi-fi, coffee & water at each of our valley locations.

Arizona Fleet Service & Auto Repair Shop

Visit our two locations in the greater Phoenix area.

Proudly servicing in Scottsdale & Gilbert.

Scottsdale

8830 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
‍Call us: (480)-270-5930
or Text Us: (480)-725-7788
Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Get Directions

Gilbert

4461 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, 85234, AZ, United States
Call us: (480)-800-3171
or Text Us: (480)-725-4590
Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Get Directions

Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

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Scottsdale Location

Gilbert Location

The Scottsdale CarLife shop stood behind their "We are Awesome" motto.

Friday, late afternoon and I'm on my way to my home in Payson. I hear a clunking sound in my wheel and quickly looked for a repair shop nearby with good reviews. CarLife was it and I'm so thankful for their professionalism!

Justin took the initiative and offered one of his busy mechanics to test drive and diagnose the problem. It was something that needed attention, but I was able to drive it with caution. I did drive home and had it properly repaired on Sunday near my home.

Without the honest diagnosis, I would have incurred the inconvenience and expense of a weekend of lodging (and no car). I feel completely confident in the quality and customer service of this CarLife shop and wouldn't hesitate to utilize them for any service.

Thank you!

Ellen

I do a lot of work on my own vehicles, which makes it hard to find a shop that I feel confident and comfortable leaving my vehicles with. The team at CarLife Scottsdale made me confident in their work and kept me informed with photos of everything they found along the way. Their prices are very fair and I will definitely be back whenever I need any help with my vehicles in the future.

Brandon

I can’t speak to the car service itself but the people at CarLife Scottsdale are incredibly honest and kind—they looked at my car, determined that it wasn’t worth ordering an incredibly expensive part and figured out a solution that was essentially free. They basically made my day and I am incredibly grateful.

Judy

CarLife is above and beyond your average mechanic/auto shop. They're attention to detail and genuine caring nature make them my car people for life. Elsie goes out of her way to take care of her people.

We've taken our cars in for routine maintenance and the "stop light" report they share is incredible. We also just had our wheels and tires stolen from our car and in less than 24 hrs she had new ones for us AND sent her guys to our home to install. Incredible business, incredible humans.... don't take your care anywhere else!

Kaitlyn

Once the estimate was finalized the work was completed surprisingly fast. I didn't even have time to pick up the rental. The prices were very reasonable and they worked with my warranty company. I'm a big fan and will take my car back whenever needed.

Sharon

CarLife saved the day as my passenger side window regulator went out and we had rain coming that week. I called Elsie and she connected me with Casi & the Gilbert team and they had my window back in place the very next day. This is my second time using CarLife and they are the most efficient and thorough auto service center I have experienced here in Phoenix. Thank you again CarLife!

Sean

Fast, friendly & professional. I had two separate issues a week apart. Both times they took my car in without an appointment, did the assessment and work that same day. Priced about where I figured it would be, so no surprises. Two experiences, two thumbs up.

Stephen

This is an excellent place to take your vehicle. The owner is very knowledgeable and likable. The staff is top notch and are the type of people you can trust your vehicle to.

David

I had the best experience here at CarLife. I know it can be super uneasy walking into an auto shop not knowing what to expect, these were the shoes I was in but was quickly reassured everything would be okay and I was in good hands. Casi, Geoff, and the entire staff were so welcoming and made this whole process so smooth for me. Thank you all.

Sarah

The whole staff at Car Life goes above and beyond to help with knowledge and works within your budget. Have been back several times already for preventative maintenance.

Anthony

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