April is National Car Care Month! Now is the time to take care of car maintenance, including any problems you put off having checked over the winter.
Car care begins with making sure you are on track with recommended regular maintenance services. Not only does this keep your vehicle running properly and performing at its best, finding problems before they escalate will save you time and money while extending the life of your vehicle.
The list below includes services are usually part of regular car maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for your recommended services and frequency:
Battery & Cables
Brake Inspection
Check Belts & Hoses
Coolant Flush and Replacement
Exhaust System
Filters – Air and Fuel
Fluid Checks – Power Steering and Brake
Lights
Oil Change
Windshield Washer Fluid & Wiper Blades
Make sure your car care includes care of your tires. It is important to regularly check your tire pressure and tread depth. Check the tread depth of your tires by using the penny test. Hold a penny so you can read “In God We Trust” across the top. Insert it into several different sections of the tire and look at Lincoln’s head. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it is time for a new set of tires. If the tread is in good shape, Abe’s head will be covered to about the forehead hairline.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner’s manual, or reference the sticker located on the driver’s side door jam.
Don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare tire as well.
Regular tire balancing and rotation service will benefit both your car and your tires. Tire balancing promotes even tire wear and provides a smooth ride by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle. Tire rotation is will greatly extend the life of your tires. Vehicle manufacturers have specific recommendations, so be sure to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines.
