Autumn is a great time for automotive maintenance and repair. It gives us all time to repair the wear and tear from all those summer trips and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead. Following a simple maintenance checklist will save you time and money by extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring safer operation. To keep your car in top shape and running smoothly as we transition into cooler months, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tires: Good Pressure, Little Wear and Rotation. Tires lose pressure every month, and more when the temperatures drop. To maintain proper pressure, check your tires monthly and make sure they're filled up to their recommended psi rating (which can be found on the driver's side door paneling, in the owner's manual or sometimes on the tires themselves). Don't foget to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to reduce excessive wear to the tires.
Oil: Switch to Synthetic. Lower temperatures can add stress on your engine. To prevent engine wear, change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. A switch to synthetic oil, if you're not using it already, provides outstanding wear protection and keeps engines clean and running smoothly.
Cooling System: Flush and Refill. The cooling system (radiator) should be checked for leaks and low levels. Additionally, it should be flushed and refilled as recommended in the owner's manual. When checking, remember to NEVER remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. For more information on cooling system maintenance, Click Here.
Full Engine Tune-up: Systems and Fluid Levels If you haven't had your yearly-recommended basic tune-up, now's the time to have that done. Cooler weather will only make existing problems worse. A tune-up will correct engine problems such as stalling and diminished power, and will also ensure that fluid levels (for brakes, transmission, windshield washer, etc.) are topped off or replaced if needed.
"Two things we pride ourselves on are being honest and fixing your car correctly, the FIRST time."
