top of page

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE

 

Seasonal maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle, it saves you money and time. Prepare for seasonal conditions in advance to help improve your vehicle’s value, get the most out of its mileage, and keep yourself and your family safe.

SPRING CLEANING

 

  • Check your spark plugs and wires. Your ignition system works hard. Spark plugs fire millions of times, and inefficient spark plugs can cost you performance and fuel mileage.

  • Check on your caps. Gas caps, radiator cap, brake fluids and more. Anywhere fluids are poured should be checked for a tight seal. This will keep out water and debris and keep your car running smoothly. 

  • Clean your headlights. Harsh weather, grime and other debris can leave your headlights cloudy and dirty. Take some extra time and clean them up to give yourself greater visibility for night driving. You may need to have them professionally cleaned. 

  • Rotate your tires. Remember to rotate your tires at least every 7,500 miles.

  • Also, check your tire pressure. Changes in temperature create fluctuations in air pressure. Improperly inflated tires are a problem. Keep them at the proper levels for better gas mileage.

  • Clean the interior. Spring cleaning is for your car, too.

  • Check the air filter and cabin air filter. It’s spring – your car deserves to breathe fresh air, too.

  • Have you checked all of your fluid levels? Checking the level of critical fluids is part of our 299 Complete Care. Stop by for your spring checkup.

  • Replace your wiper blades. New wiper blades can really increase visibility on rainy days.

  • Change the oil. This is key to a long lasting car.

SUMMER ROAD TRIPS

 

  • Get a full cooling system checkup. The radiator, coolant, belts, hoses, water pump and cooling fans all play major roles in keeping your engine’s temperature under control. A bad radiator core or worn hoses and belts can lead to overheating and major engine damage. Don’t risk being stranded on the side of the road because of missed preventative maintenance.

  • Check your tire pressure. Increased heat and road friction during the summer can lead to increase in tire pressure and over inflation. Help your tires last longer by keeping the air pressure at the recommended levels. And have your tires rotated every 7,500 miles.

  • Change the oil. This is a basic tip, but one that is often neglected. Stick to your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended fluid change recommendations. 

  • Have your air conditioner checked. If your refrigerant levels are low or if you have a leak in the system, that family road trip in July will be tough.

  • Check your serpentine belt and other belts and hoses. Extra heat in the summer can cause extra wear. Replace worn belts and hoses before they break and leave you stranded. 

  • With more driving comes more risk of a suspension issue. Check your suspension system for wear. Is your steering not as sharp? Or do you hear a grinding or knocking sound at the wheels? Ball joints, CV joints and other suspension parts need to be inspected for safety.

FALL INTO WINTER

 

  • Get a transmission check. Is the fluid clean? A transmission flush and filter change is a great way to protect a very valuable component of your vehicle. 

  • It may be time for a brake check. Do your hearing a grinding or squealing sound? Car shudders when you stop? Brakes and rotors are critical in the winter. Have your brake and rotors examined for excess wear.

  • Check your power steering system. Make sure there is adequate fluid and that the fluid quality is good. If your steering wheel shakes or is difficult to turn, it may be time for repairs.

  • Have your car’s exterior cleaned and waxed. The wax will help protect your car against harsher weather.

  • Replace your wiper blades. New wiper blades can really increase visibility on rainy days.

  • Change the oil. We’ll say it again – clean oil is key to a happy car.

  • Check on your battery. Batteries fail most often in the wintertime. If you have an older battery, have it load tested before the cold weather strikes. 

  • Keep your washer fluid full. A deicing variety is helpful in colder climates.

  • Keep your emergency kit stocked. If you break down, you should have emergency supplies for you and your car. 

  • Check your tires for wear. Bald tires are dangerous in bad weather. Put a penny in the tread – if you can see all of Abe Lincoln’s head, it’s probably time for new tires. And keep snow chains in the car if you’re in a state that requires them.

  • Try not to drive in bad weather. If you can stay home when it’s snowing or frozen outside, don’t go out. We understand that sometimes you don’t’ have a choice. At least think about it.

  • Keep your fuel tank above half full if you can. More fuel is better during colder times.

bottom of page