Ron's Auto Repair Center
2310 SE 5th St, Ames, IA 50010 515.232.8555

Severe Driving In

Last Updated: May 01, 2019

Most Ames motorists know that their owner's manuals have schedules for {{ image('MTgy') }} vehicle maintenance. What they may not know is that there are actually two service schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. The distance and time intervals are lower on the severe service schedule.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn't apply to you because you don't feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it's just normal everyday driving around Ames. At Ron's Auto Repair Center, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

  • Most trips are less than four miles (six kilometers)
  • Most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures are below freezing in Ames
  • You drive in very hot IA weather
  • Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph/90kph)
  • Stop and go driving
  • Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
  • You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your vehicle

Most Ames drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your vehicle?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your Ron's Auto Repair Center advisor can help you with your decision.

Ron's Auto Repair Center
2310 SE 5th St
Ames, IA 50010
515.232.8555
www.ronsautorepairames.com