Do you have school-aged children who are involved in after-school sports and activities? For us parents, the hustle and bustle of back-to-school driving and carpooling will consume most of our time for the remainder of this year. If you’re like me, the very last thing you want to have happen when you have to get the kids from point A to point B is have a vehicle break down. Having a vehicle towed into the shop and being without one because it’s undergoing a major repair causes a lot of additional problems and expenses. By following these 5 car maintenance tips you can get your vehicle ready for all the back-to-school driving you’ll be doing.
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- Regular Oil & Filter Changes – Your engine oil is designed to lubricate and protect your engine parts. By committing to regular oil and filter changes, you’ll extend the life of your car.
- Maintain Other Vital Fluids – Your braking, cooling, steering and transmission systems all contain fluids that must be replaced regularly to prevent corrosion of parts. Many times car owners forego having these fluids replaced. Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement schedules and check their levels/condition at least once per month.
- Check your Tires – When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your tires? Were you aware that over 50% of all the cars on the road have low tire pressure? By driving on under-inflated tires, you’re risking your safety, wasting gas, and decreasing the life of your tires. Once each month, check the tires to make sure they have enough air (use the tire pressure found on the label inside your driver side door). It’s also a good idea to have the tires rotated every time you have the oil changed. Finally, make sure you inspect your tires to make sure they have sufficient tread depth and aren’t wearing unevenly. Read more about recommended tire maintenance by clicking here. If/when you need new tires, give us a call.
- Inspect Your Headlamps and Directional Lights – As it begins to get darker earlier, it’s even more important to make sure visibility is good. Your headlamps should be clear and aimed properly. You should also do a driveway inspection to make sure your brake lights, turn signals and back-up lights are working properly. If you have yellowed or cloudy headlamps, we can restore them for you.
- Test the Battery – Summer and winter temperatures can be quite harsh on a vehicle battery, especially one that’s getting older. If your vehicle’s battery around 4 years old, you should have it replaced before it dies on a cold winter morning. If you would like, we test your battery when you bring your vehicle in for service.
Back-to-school car care was never simpler than calling Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Our technicians are certified in all areas of automotive repair and will keep your vehicle running the way it should for years to come. Click here to schedule your fall car care appointment now.
photo credit: Colts Football via photopin (license)