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MAINTENANCE

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Auto maintenance describes the act of inspecting or testing the condition of car subsystems (e.g., engine) and servicing or replacing parts and fluids. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure the safety, reliability, drivability, comfort and longevity of a car. During preventive maintenance, a number of parts are replaced to avoid major damage or for safety reasons, e.g. timing belt replacement.

Importance of Routine Maintenance

 

Routine vehicle maintenance can be a difficult task to keep up with. However, there can be serious implications of not staying up to date on your car’s maintenance schedule.  

Failing to take care of your vehicle by having it regularly maintained can have negative effects.

 

  • High expenses – A reason many people use for not keeping their car maintained is cost. Unfortunately, regular maintenance left uncompleted can lead to much higher expenses down the road.

  • Accidents – Sometimes your car is trying to tell you something. Things such as squeaky brakes left untreated can lead to much worse problems such as brake failure that can lead to serious accidents.

  • Severe damage – As you can expect, leaving little problems unrepaired can lead to increased damage to your vehicle. A little problem is much easier to remedy than trying to undo severe damage.

Preventative Maintenance for the Summer Months
 

Vehicles are at risk of being negatively affected by the hot summer months. By performing the following preventative maintenance, you can help your vehicle make it through the summer without problems.

 

  • Check your cooling system â€“ You rely on your cooling system much more in the summer months to keep your engine from overheating. Make sure there is enough coolant, and aim for a 50:50 ratio for your vehicle’s water and coolant. The cooling fan and belt should be inspected by a professional, along with the pressure cap and thermostat. 

  • Check your battery â€“ It can be advised that car battery care be left to professionals, especially in the summer as batteries are more susceptible to damage in the heat. Batteries should be checked for a chalky substance around the terminals. This can harm the battery and should be removed. The battery itself should also be clean and free of cracks and bulges. It is recommended to change your battery about every three years to avoid problems. 

  • Check your tires â€“ Your tires should be properly inflated and have an even amount of tread at all times. You can achieve this by checking your tire pressure regularly and having your tires rotated according to your vehicle’s owner manual. Consider having your suspension checked and wheels aligned and balanced. 

  • Check your brakes â€“ Brakes are an important part of your vehicle that contribute to your safety. Have your brakes checked for the summer months and have any necessary parts repaired or replaced.

  • Check your oil â€“ We suggest having your oil changed regularly, especially before a long trip. Check the recommended oil change interval in your vehicle’s owner manual.

  • Additional items, such as keeping fluids full, having worn belts and hoses replaced, and inspecting windshield wipers and solution are additional preventative measures to take for the summer months. Your owner’s manual is always a good source of information on what parts of your car need maintained and at what intervals. 

Preventative Maintenance for the Winter Months
 

Seasonal maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle, it saves you money and time. Prepare for seasonal conditions in advance to help improve your vehicle’s value, get the most out of its mileage, and keep yourself and your family safe.

  • Antifreeze – Lack of proper coolant can cause your engine to freeze and possibly crack, causing detrimental harm. Ensure your coolant is at the proper level and strength

  • Battery test – Have your battery tested by a certified technician. If your battery is not in good condition, it could have trouble starting in cold weather.

  • Belt and hose inspection – Cracked or worn belts and hoses are a big reason why cars break down. These should be checked annually before the winter months, so there is no chance of getting stranded out in the cold.

  • Brake check - Having brakes in good condition will help your car stop in slippery conditions in winter months.

  • Charging system check - Your charging system needs to be tested to ensure it can handle today’s demanding loads, running multiple items such as your defroster, headlights, and heater simultaneously.

  • Oil change – Having your oil changed is important year round, especially in the winter months.  Refer to your car’s owner manual, as some car manufacturers suggest using a different grade of oil for colder temperatures.

  • New wiper blades – It is necessary to have windshield wiper blades in good condition for when you get caught driving in the snow or ice. There are even a variety of specialty wiper blades made specifically for snowy weather.

  • Tire maintenance â€“ Late fall is the time to get your tires inspected/rotated and replaced if necessary. Proper inflation and pressure are imperative. As the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires. Make it a priority to check your tires’ pressure every few weeks in the winter.

  • Your car’s owner manual is always a good source of information on what parts of your car need maintained and at what intervals.
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