Owning a car is just like any other major investment in your life. If you want it to last, you've got to take care of it. That's easier said than done, however, especially if you don't have any mechanical knowledge. There are a few things to do that will ensure your vehicle remains in tip-top condition, so you can either trade it in or drive it for many years to come. The most obvious? Bring it to our service center.
Change the Oil
While there are many essential parts on your vehicle which are necessary for it to run properly, the engine is one of the most important. In order for your engine to continue running smoothly, this requires that you change the oil at regular intervals.
Depending on your vehicle, this means you'll need to change it at either 3,000 or 5,000 miles. A quick look at your auto manual will tell you the recommended mileage for your vehicle. The "change oil" light will also let you know when it's time to bring your vehicle into a service center.
But what happens if you don't change the oil because you got busy or don't have the money? The worst-case scenario is complete engine failure, which means you either have to purchase a new engine or a new car.
Check the Fluids
Like us, cars need fluids to survive. Without them, the car will either not run at its fullest potential or may fail to run at all. According to Popular Mechanics, some of the fluids you need to check and change on a regular basis include:
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
Rotate and Maintain Your Tires
Your tires are probably the part of the vehicle that takes the most wear and tear. From rocks to the rough pavement, to nails in the road, your tires have seen it all and done it all. They're also easy to ignore until you get a flat.
To maintain your tires, keep a regular check on the tire pressure. While it's easy to assume that a quick glance is all you need to know if the tires need more air, it's not that simple. By the time the tires look deflated, they've probably gone through a lot of unnecessary wear and tear.
There are tools you can use to check the tire pressure that doesn't cost much money. You can find the proper PSI for your tires in the vehicle manual. If it is low, then you need to give it some air.
Another way to make your tires last is to rotate them when you get your oil changed at a service center. The tires at the front typically do the most work, so by switching them with the back tires, you get more mileage out of them.
The benefits of maintaining your tires is better fuel mileage and the money you'll save since you don't have to replace them as much.
Change Your Windshield Wipers
This is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain the life of your vehicle. Windshield wipers tend to become worn down by friction as they push the water away from your windshield, and the more tread they lose, the less effective they are. It's best to check your windshield wipers on sunny days when you don't need to use them.
Check Belts and Hoses
There are lots of belts and hoses on a vehicle that are essential to keep it running. Each has its own purpose and can cause a lot of damage when they break. It can leave you stranded on the side of the road, or worse, leave you without a vehicle while you're waiting on repairs.
A quick check can often reveal worn out belts and hoses which need to be replaced. By catching the situation before it becomes an issue, you can simply change out the part, and be on your way.
Don't Ignore Warning Lights - Bring it to a Service Center
While it can be very frustrating that your check engine light came on when you're headed to work, it's important not to ignore it. The light is coming on for a reason: to give you a heads-up that something is wrong. It's best to bring your vehicle in for a check-up as soon as you can.
This goes for any strange noises or smells, according to AAA. While it may not seem like a big deal now, it could become one. Many auto problems can be quickly diagnosed and fixed when you catch them early. If you wait until it's a more convenient time or things are so bad the vehicle no longer runs, it could end up costing you more money.
Scents that mean you should bring your car in for a check-up include:
- Burnt toast smell
- Rotten eggs
- Sickly sweet
- Must or mold
- Exhaust fumes while driving
Strange sound to listen for are:
- High-pitched squeal when you hit the brakes
- Tapping or pinging when accelerating
- Clunking over the bumps
- Squealing as you turn the wheel
Wash Your Car
Regular washings can go a long way towards extending the life of your vehicle. Not only does the paint job maintain that gorgeous sheen longer, but it will prevent unsightly rust. It's also a good idea to wash the undercarriage. It's easy to ignore as your neighbors won't notice that you cleaned that part, but it will remove corrosive materials like salt.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments at a Service Center
Keeping up with all the maintenance your vehicle needs to remain in prime condition may seem like an endless list of to-dos, but it doesn't have to be like that. We can send you scheduled reminders, so you don't have to worry about when you need to come in.
Come on in to Our Service Center
Here at Sunset Cadillac of Sarasota, our service center technicians are experts at maintaining the life of your vehicle. They know all the ins and outs, so you can get back to living life quicker.
Feel free to contact us at (941) 312-2807 or visit us at 2200 Bee Ridge Road Monday - Saturday to either schedule maintenance for your vehicle or check out our inventory. We're here when you need us.
