National Car Care Month
Nelson’s Spring Car Care Tips
Springtime is here and that means warm weather, comfortable breezes, flowers, baseball, and … car maintenance? Yes! April is national Car Care Month and the ideal time to show your vehicle a little love by making sure your car is functioning properly and safely. Winter weather can be tough on an automobile. Since spring is a time of renewal, freshen up your vehicle by inspecting the following:
Batteries, Plugs and Wires
Starting a car in cold weather is rough on batteries. Have your battery and plugs tested and replaced if needed. Have the peace of mind that your car will fire up every morning without fail.
Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes and debris on snow-covered roads can damage your suspension. A car that pulls to one side or the other, or a steering wheel that shakes as you drive, is a clear signal that the alignment is out of whack. A good rule of thumb is to have the alignment checked every other oil change.
Oil change
Oil changes are commonly neglected, but are one of the most important services for maintaining a smooth running vehicle. Especially if it has been more than 3,000 miles since your last change, now is a great time to replace the lifeblood of your vehicle. An oil change is also a good time to check all the auto’s fluids, such brake and cooling system fluids and air filter.
Rotate tires, check air pressure
Rotating your tires according to manufacturer’s guidelines allows the tires to wear evenly. Keeping the tire treads even allows for better handling, traction, and gas mileage. Cold weather can affect tire pressure, so make sure all four wheels are correctly inflated. Don’t forget the spare as a flat spare does no one any good.
Check the brakes
To keep your vehicle safe, make sure pads and rotors are in good working order. Check brake fluid levels. Staying on top of your braking system can save costly repairs in the future.
Inspect and replace worn or damaged belts and hoses
Changing a belt or hose at the first signs of wear is an inexpensive precaution to ward off the nightmare of a malfunction down the road.
Replace windshield wipers
Springtime weather can be unpredictable. For many areas of the country spring means showers and thunderstorms. Don’t get caught in a downpour to find out your wipers are cracked or torn.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Head off costly repairs with a small amount of effort. Spend your time smelling freshly cut grass, working in the garden, or eating hot dogs at the ball field, instead of sitting in a waiting room awaiting a repair bill that would have been much less with regular vehicle maintenance.
April may be Car Care Month, but if you plan on taking a summer trip after the tune-up, give us a call or request a quote and we will ship your car to your vacation destination!
