![]() When checking the belts, look for any visible cracks or deformations and check to see if there’s any slack. Wait until your car has been sitting for long enough that the engine is no longer hot. ![]() You’ll want to visually inspect the serpentine belt and radiation hoses while they’re cool so you don’t risk a burn injury. This can wear down, crack, and eventually break. One of the major belts on a car engine is a serpentine belt. The reservoir is often located under the car’s hood, but the owner’s manual will display the correct location and refill procedure.Įngines feature numerous moving parts and fluids which require hoses and belts to assist. This is cheap and available at most gas stations and auto parts stores for only a few dollars. Check your windshield wipers to make sure they make consistent contact with the windshield to guarantee the wiper blades sweep the water out of view.Īlso, check your windshield washer fluid levels. That means not only should your car have a clean windshield, but should also be ready to deal with any grime or inclement weather that comes your way. Have this fixed by a professional because it can cause uneven wear on the tires and affect costly suspension components. If the car pulls to one side, forcefully enough to pull the car out of its lane, it is likely out of alignment. Look for any tire damage and consult a tire professional with any concerns or questions.Īlso, check the car’s alignment to see if it drives straight down the road. Check for other defects, like bulges and tire tread separation, to ensure your tires are safe and ready for the road. Make sure your tires are regularly rotated to avoid irregular wear. Tires can wear unevenly, creating imperfections in the tire that could affect traction. It can also lead to a blowout while driving, and potentially even cause an accident.Īnother thing to look for on your tires is wear. Improperly inflated tires could damage a car’s rim or suspension, causing hundreds or even thousands of dollars of damage. ![]() If so, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread on your tire. Place it in the thread to see if the top of Lincoln’s head disappears. Hold the penny vertically, but rotate it so that Lincoln’s head is pointed downward. But if you don’t have one of those, you can use a penny. You can check this with an inexpensive tire tread depth gauge that is also often under $10. states have laws requiring a minimum of 2/32 of an inch of tread on the tires. Tire maintenance also means checking the tread depth. These are available at most auto parts stores and gas stations and typically less than $10. It’s simple enough to check the pressure yourself with a tire pressure gauge. Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct tire pressure, which can easily be found on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb, along with other information. There are many things to think about when preparing your car’s tires for your summer road trip. ![]() A typical oil change can cost around $20 if you do it yourself, or $40 and up if changed by a professional and depending on the type of oil. Prices for an engine oil and engine oil filter depend on the make, model, and engine size of the car. They can identify any potential problems with your vehicle, whether it’s the tires, battery, or coolant system. Clean oil and a clean oil filter help ensure the engine is properly lubricated and cooled.Ĭompleting your engine oil change at a quick-service center or dealership service center often includes the added benefit of trained mechanics performing a complete inspection of the car. You can attempt to do this yourself, but many quick-service locations can quickly and cheaply do this for you. However, there are seven important steps you should take beyond your regular car maintenance to prepare for your summer road trip.Īn engine oil change is what many of us picture when thinking about basic car maintenance. Your car’s dealership should also be able to provide you with this information.Ī car’s regular maintenance schedule will differ based on the make and model, but they often include similar services like changing the oil and oil filter, replacing the air and cabin filters, rotating and inspecting the tires, checking fluids, and possibly more. This car maintenance service schedule is often in the owner’s manual. Each car has a maintenance schedule that lets you know how often you should change the oil, filters, spark plugs, and complete any other necessary services suggested by the manufacturer. To start off on the right foot with your summer car maintenance, it’s best to complete your car’s regularly scheduled maintenance. See Today's Rates Regularly Scheduled Car Maintenance
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |