Car Care Tips
It pays to take good care of your car. With proper maintenance and repairs, your vehicle can last for well over a decade. Regularly scheduled maintenance and lubrication using the manufacturer’s recommended intervals is the best way to proactively take care of your vehicle. Replacing normal wear-and-tear parts before they break is also a good path to long vehicle life.
These car care tips from Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care outline some of the most important action items for maintaining your vehicle’s condition and performance.
Fluids and Filters
Your car’s engine is full of sensitive and delicate moving parts that rely on fluids like oil, transmission fluid and coolant to function well. If you don’t keep an eye on these fluid levels or fail to periodically change its filters, these delicate parts could face irreparable damage.
Brake fluid and coolant/antifreeze are two particularly important fluids to watch. Make sure to check these fluids regularly for leaks and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing fluids.
Part Maintenance and Replacement
Don’t wait for a part to fail. Routine inspections can catch wear early, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
- Brakes: Brake pads and rotors typically last 35,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving habits and part quality. Have them inspected at least once a year to identify wear before it becomes a safety concern.
- Battery: Most car batteries last four to five years, depending on weather, driving habits and usage. Help extend battery life by keeping the terminals clean, driving regularly and turning off lights and accessories when the engine isn’t running.
- Headlights: Cloudy headlights reduce visibility and make nighttime driving less safe. Headlight restoration can dramatically improve brightness and clarity. To slow oxidation, park in a garage or shaded area whenever possible.
Tires and Wheels
A car’s wheels and tires are essential to your vehicle’s safety and performance. Inspect your tires and wheels regularly for symptoms such as low pressure and uneven or excessive wear.
Tire services such as tire rotation, wheel alignment, tire balancing and tire repair can help maximize tire life and improve your safety. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide a schedule for the recommended time to perform tire services.
Schedule an Appointment
We want to help extend the life of your vehicle. From checking fluids to performing brake inspections and providing tire services, the technicians at Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care are here to handle your car care and repair. Contact us today to schedule your service!