National Car Care Month is here! Winter weather can wreak havoc on vehicles both internally and externally which is why it’s critical to give your vehicle proper attention and maintenance at the change of seasons
Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
Most vehicle owners could save money by being more proactive when it comes to their vehicle. Whether you do it yourself or bring your car to an Auto Select professional service technician, make sure your car is ready for the spring and summer travel season.
Here are 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:
1. Check the oil, filters, and fluids. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids too. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection as well.
2. Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.
3. Check the brake system every year and have the brake pads, shoes, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
4. Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.
5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
6. Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
7. Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons.
8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
9. Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.
10. Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety