Now that we’ve begun hanging up our coats and breaking out our summer attire, it’s time to start focusing our attention on how we’re going to make the rest of the year work in our favor. One way to do that? Conduct routine vehicle maintenance during National Car Care Month. By completing just a few of the steps below, you’ll be well on your way to setting your car up for success.
National Car Care Month Tips
Get an oil change
You’ve probably heard it a million times before, and for good reason: getting your oil changed regularly is crucial to maintaining good engine health. But don’t think all oil is made equal: make sure to change your oil only in accordance with the frequency and type as specified in your owner’s manual. Otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good.
Inspect your belts and hoses
During seasonal changes, the belts and hoses that keep everything under the hood running smoothly can begin to shrink or expand. This can lead to them developing cracks, fraying, leaking, or becoming swollen. With this in mind, give your belts and hoses a once-over before the warmer weather has a chance to exacerbate any existing issues.
Check your brakes
In order to stay safe while driving on icy roads, we need to keep our feet close to the brake pedals. Unfortunately, this can take a toll on our brakes’ health and, ultimately, contribute to them working less effectively. Listen closely for squeaking, grinding, or crunching sounds when you press on the brakes next time you’re driving. If you hear any of the above, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to get them professionally inspected and possibly replaced.
Top off your fluids
Unfortunately, many vehicle owners neglect checking on and replenishing diminished fluid levels before it’s too late. Make it a priority to keep your car’s fluids topped off to avoid any issues, especially your coolant. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the greatest cause for breakdowns in the summer is overheating.
Schedule Service in Madison, WI
While most of the above tasks are part of your routine maintenance schedule, we understand that other things come up, too. If you have any structural or cosmetic problems, our trained body shop technicians are ready to help today. Schedule an appointment with a member of our service team, and be sure to take advantage of our service and parts specials to save on your next visit.
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