Did you know that the best way to increase your car’s life and resale value is by performing regularly scheduled maintenance? Staying disciplined and servicing your vehicle on a schedule will ensure your vehicle’s engine systems are functioning correctly and running at peak performance. Our friends at CarAndDriver.com have detailed six easy tips for keeping your car happy, healthy, and running smoothly for years to come. Read on to learn more!
6 Easy Tips For Maintaining Your Car In Top Shape
- How’s the Oil Level?
Thermal breakdown can occur when your engine heats up, and the oil begins to breakdown, causing the viscosity to change and the oil to degrade. Maintaining your oil at the proper levels will help protect and expand the life of your engine.
- Make Sure You Have Windshield-Washer Fluid
Running out of washer fluid is never good. Most of us have had an experience where mud splashed on our windshield, and visibility was affected. Ensuring that the washer fluid is full can prevent these annoyances, but more importantly, it could help save you from a severe accident.
- Check the Tires’ Air Pressure
Under or over-inflated tires can create increased friction between the road and tire. This friction can cause your tires to wear at a higher rate or even cause a serious accident. If your car has an internal monitoring system, it will notify you if the pressure changes. If not, keep a tire gauge in your glove compartment and check your tires when you refill your gas tank.
- Is the Radiator Full?
Your vehicle’s radiator carries a fluid known as coolant. This fluid helps your engine stay cool as it produces heat from the moving parts. Without proper coolant levels, your engine can overheat and cause serious damage. In most cars, the radiator is easy to access and maintain. Check your owner’s manual for directions on maintaining proper coolant levels.
- Brake Fluid Check
When your foot compresses the brake pedal, fluid is pumped through the brake lines, creating the force necessary to activate the brakes. Your car’s braking system doesn’t function without brake fluid. Check your owner’s manual to locate the brake fluid reservoir and periodically check that it is at the proper level.
- Need Tires?
As your tire’s tread begins to wear, the tire can lose grip with the road—the risk of hydroplaning or losing control increases as the tread decreases. Inspecting your tires regularly for damage or wear can prevent accidents. When you stop for fuel, check the depth of your tread using a penny. Keeping your tires balanced and rotated every six months or 6,000 miles is also a great preventative measure.
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Call Or Stop By Tarr Chevrolet For All Your Maintenance Needs
At Tarr Chevrolet, let our Certified Service experts help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Regardless of the make or model, our factory-trained technicians know everything about your car. Call, stop by or schedule an appointment online.
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