Severe Driving In

Most Southwest Harbor 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 Southwest Harbor. At Skip's Automotive Service, 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 Southwest Harbor
• You drive in very hot ME 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 Southwest Harbor 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 Skip's Automotive Service advisor can help you with your decision.

Skip's Automotive Service
19 Bass Harbor Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
207.244.7276