Five tips to care for your vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle is key to getting the most out of your car and protecting you and your passengers.
National Car Care Month, held annually every April and October, is the perfect time to prepare your car for a change in weather and start thinking about those summer road trips. Here are five tips to get you started.
Top off essential fluids
The number one fluid to check is your oil. Oil changes should be a standard practice, and this is the perfect month to check when you last changed your oil, and when to schedule your next. The number of oil changes you need in a year depends on how much you drive your vehicle; we always suggest that you follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance check, consider checking on the other essential fluids in your vehicle. Take 5 Oil Change will check your coolant, and also your engine and cabin filters.
Wheel alignment
According to Fix Auto USA, wheel alignment can extend your car’s lifespan. Misalignment causes parts to wear down unevenly, meaning you might have to replace them sooner or deal with costly repairs. This goes for tires, suspension, and steering systems.
Some warning signs that your wheel alignment is off includes; a shaky steering wheel, the vehicle pulling to one side, and uneven wear on your tires. However, even if you don’t notice these issues, it’s still recommended to check wheel alignment at least once a year. This proactive approach prioritizes your safety and gets you ahead of any issues before they become expensive repairs.
Make it a habit every April to go to a certified auto mechanic for an alignment inspection.
Repair any minor windshield chips
It’s common to encounter road debris. Small chips in your windshield are easy to ignore if your visibility is not impacted. Yet, the damage is not harmless.
The Auto Glass Now team warns that small windshield damage can quickly spiral into a bigger issue when chips turn into a crack. Sometimes, these cracks can result in an entire windshield replacement. Plus, in the event of a collision, you want your glass to be sturdy. If it is already in a fragile state, the entire windshield could shatter.
The best way to prevent this is to get any chips or cracks fixed early.
A clean car is a resilient car
A quality car wash offers multiple benefits beyond just looking good, such as rust prevention and paint protection.
Take 5 Car Wash says that regular car washes help with damage caused by sea air and road salt, two of the biggest rust-causing culprits.
It also helps with other everyday issues like bird droppings, UV rays, and pollen. All of these can permanently damage your vehicle’s exterior.
A professional car wash followed by a wax treatment adds extra protection and makes your paint color pop (Take 5 recommends a wax treatment at least every three months).
Remember your interior, too! Dusting the inside of your car, vacuuming your floor mats, and deodorizing your vehicle not only maximizes its longevity but also gives you that fresh car feeling.
Develop a new car care routine
Consider April a fresh start in how you care for your car on a regular basis.
Regular and preventive maintenance should includes:
- Cleaning out any trash inside
- Checking fluids (oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid)
- Checking tire pressure
- Checking air filters
Caring for your car is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself as a driver, as well as any loved ones in the vehicle with you. April is a great starting point to help keep your vehicle performing better all year long.