Key Takeaways
As we approach summer, the warmer weather makes it a great time to take care of your car’s routine maintenance. Here’s what this post is about:
• A regular service checkup will ensure that your vehicle is running properly and safely.
• The warmer weather might also help you diagnose any underlying issues with your car that may not have been noticeable in cooler temperatures.
• What needs to be checked during a routine service checkup include fluids, belts and hoses, filters, brakes, tires, shocks, and struts—all of which should be checked annually.
• Taking care of routine maintenance now can prevent major problems from arising in the future.
It’s past winter and the heat is starting to peak out – that means it’s time to start thinking about getting your car ready for the spring and summer months. With warmer weather comes an opportunity to complete routine maintenance that keeps your car running smoothly. This is a great time to check the oil, inspect hoses, belts and tires, flush the coolant system, and ensure all lights are functioning properly.
What is Routine Car Maintenance?
For your car to run like new, you should regularly maintain it. Routine car maintenance helps prevent more serious, costly repair problems down the line and can help you save money on fuel costs. In basic terms routine car maintenance means regularly checking, inspecting, and replacing parts that can become worn over time.
How Often Should You Have Maintenance Done?
The frequency with which you should have car maintenance conducted depends on the make and model of your vehicle. If you are uncertain of how often to have maintenance performed, you can consult your owner’s manual. Generally speaking, routine maintenance should be done every 6 months to 12 months depending on the make and model of your car.
For most drivers, winters are dormant months when they only take their vehicle out to run errands. Because of this, some individuals don’t take their cars for maintenance, even if the car’s routine maintenance is due. This is why warm weather is the best time for routine maintenance.
The warmer weather and longer days in the spring give drivers more free time to take their cars in for maintenance. The extra daylight also gives mechanics a bit of extra time to properly service your vehicle and make sure it’s running smoothly for summer road trips. Additionally, the extra sunlight allows mechanics to better inspect the exterior of your car, ensuring that it’s ready for whatever summer throws its way.
What Should Be Checked During Routine Maintenance?
A qualified mechanic will check and perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle, checking brakes, hoses, belts, fluids, exhaust systems, and tires to ensure they’re in good condition. If they find any faulty components or signs of wear and tear, they address the issue according to their expertise. Here’s what to check:
Visual Inspection of the Engine
The engine is the heart of your car and needs to be in good condition for it to run properly. During a visual inspection, a mechanic will check the engine bay for any warning signs, such as oil or coolant leaks, worn hoses, loose wiring or corroded parts.
Fluid Levels and Quality
Your vehicle’s fluid levels should be inspected to make sure they are filled correctly. High-quality fluids should also be used in your vehicle, as they help keep the engine clean and free of debris. Your mechanic will check all the necessary fluids, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
Tires are a vital part of your vehicle and should be inspected regularly. Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency, traction, and comfort. Your mechanic will check the tire pressure on all four tires to ensure they are properly inflated. The tread depth will also be measured to make sure there is enough tread remaining for safe driving conditions.
Brake System Inspection
The brake system is another important safety system that should be routinely checked by your mechanic. They will inspect the condition of the pads, rotors, and drums for any signs of wear or damage. The brake fluid levels will also be monitored to ensure they are full and free from contamination.
Windshield Wiper Blades
It’s also important to inspect the condition of your windshield wipers during warmer weather. The rubber blades can become brittle and crack over time, making them less effective in cleaning rain or snow from your windshield. Your mechanic will replace any worn blades with new ones that are designed for the make and model of your vehicle.
Other Components
Your mechanic will check all other components on your vehicle to ensure they are in good working order. This includes the AC, air filter, battery, and all other fluids such as coolant, power steering, and transmission fluid. All hoses will be inspected for wear or damage and any necessary replacements made. They’ll also check any belts that could need replacement to avoid potential failure while driving.
Is Car Wash and Waxing Part of Routine Maintenance?
Your mechanic will likely recommend a car wash and waxing to keep all exterior surfaces of your vehicle protected from the elements. By doing this, you’ll also be preventing rust, which can cause significant damage over time. Waxing also helps maintain the shine on your vehicle’s paint job, making it look newer for longer. So yes, car wash and waxing is part of routine maintenance.
Perform Your Car’s Routine Maintenance With Brownsville Toyota
At Brownsville Toyota, we can help with all your car maintenance needs. Our team of certified technicians will make sure to inspect and change any parts needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly during warmer weather.
We’ll also perform a thorough car wash and waxing so you can enjoy the look of a freshly cleaned vehicle. Call us today for more information about our services.
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