Car Care 101
It is very important that you have regular services performed on your vehicle to protect your safety and increase its life expectancy.
Your Vehicle's Fluids
It is a good idea to your vehicle's fluids monthly or before any long drive. Checking your vehicle's fluids should only be done when the engine is cool to avoid burns and ensure that fluid levels
will be shown accurately.
Oil Changes:
Changing your oil is vital to extending your vehicle's life. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how often your oil must be changed. Most cars require an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (or 3 to 5 months). Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of oil for your vehicle. If your oil is simply low and you need to add more, be careful not to add too much. Overfilling your oil can cause serious damage to your car's engine.
Coolant:
Please remember to only check the coolant when the engine is cool to avoid serious burns. Many new cars now have a “coolant reservoir” so you do not have to remove the radiator cap to check coolant levels. The optimum coolant level will be near ‘low’ when the engine is cool and close to ‘high’ when the engine is hot. If it is below the recommended level, add coolant with the concentration specified by the manufacturer (this can be found in the owner’s manual). Coolant should be flushed at least once every two years to maintain the correct pH balance and extend the life several vehicle parts.
Washer Fluid:
Refill the washer fluid when needed. You should only use washer fluid which contains anti-freeze and anti-corrosion ingredients to prevent damage to the washer fluid reservoir.
Brake Fluid:
Good maintenance of brakes includes bleeding them at least once a year to removed moisture trapped in the brake caliper and extend their life.
Brake Maintenance:
My Brakes are Making Strange Noises:
Brakes that are chirping, squealing or grinding need a mechanic’s attention immediately. Brakes are designed to give you a warning sign (the chirping and squealing) when the brake pads are wearing low. If this warning is ignored, and the brakes begin to grind, serious damage can be done to the brake rotors which are expensive to replace.
Tire Maintenance:
Check Pressure:
Not only does correct pressure prevent tire blowout or failure, but it can help you maintain control of your vehicle during an emergency situation. Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). The ideal PSI can be found in your owner’s manual. Hot and Cold PSI is found on the side of your tires.
Wheel Balance:
Wheels that are off balance will cause vibrations, especially at high speeds. Incorrect wheel balance will also cause flat or bald spots on the tire which will then need to be replaced.
Tire Rotation:
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or at each oil change. Rotating your tires regularly prevents excessive wear on individual tires and extends their life span.
Wheel Alignment:
If your car is ‘pulling’ to one side or your steering wheel is off center, it’s possible that your wheel alignment may need to be corrected. The alignment should be checked at least once a year when you replace your tires.
