Service Tips from the Pros to Keep Your Car in Top Condition for Summer
This list features some of the most overlooked maintenance tips for everyday driving. By keeping up with these easy tips, you’ll be preventing major and costly repairs to your car this Summer. That means more time and money you’ll have saved for those great road trips and vacations.
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General Check Engine Light - Don’t ignore your check engine light! This little light may feel like the harbinger of doom, but it’s not always the case. The best course of action is to bring your car into service as soon as you can. The light could signify a minor issue such as a loose or faulty gas cap or time to change the spark plugs. Or it could be something more serious such as an engine misfire or catalytic converter issue. No one likes to see that little light turn on and consider the pending repair bill, but prolonging it leads to worse consequences, so head in ASAP!
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Tire Pressure and Tire Quality - Seasonal temperature changes can affect your tire pressure, and driving on improperly inflated tires can lead to structural damage. Proper tread depth and wear as well as tire pressure can mean the literal difference between life and death if required to stop short in a pinch. Be sure to inflate your tires regularly to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Replace worn tires with new ones - it is best to buy them in a set of 2 at the bare minimum.
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Tire Rotation/Wheel Alignment - Regular alignments and rotations can ensure even wear and tear on your tires which helps prevent untimely blowouts, cracks, tears, and other damage. Each time your car goes in for a service check, you should request the mechanic perform a tire rotation and check the alignment. These routine checks may prevent unnecessary flats, poor tread wear, and other issues such as drifting.
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Oil Changes/Fluid Checks & Flushes - Summer is prime time for maintaining the coolant levels to prevent frequent overheating. Top-offs and regular maintenance checks of these vital fluids can prevent major damage to your engine and transmission. Some of the most ignored checks and maintenance points are Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Coolant, Brake Fluid, wiper fluid.
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Engine Maintenance - The most common cause of engine overheating is a low coolant or motor oil levels, so check the levels regularly, and especially so if you notice the temperature gauge running hot! If you catch yourself filling the coolant frequently, you may have a leak in the coolant system and will want to check the radiator cap, hoses, and peek under the car for puddles of antifreeze. If none of that solves the issue you may have a malfunctioning thermostat; a broken thermostat may read as “normal” when it is actually running hot. This can cause the coolant system to release the fluid too slowly leading to stall outs and smoke, and lead to very costly repairs. If you notice your engine overheating, pull over immediately and open the hood to allow airflow to help cool your car while you wait for a service tow. Do not try to drive with an overheating engine; it may cause irreparable damage.
