August is here, meaning it will soon be time for your kids to head back to school. You want your car to be at its best to get them there on time safely. Even more so, you want them to have a safe, reliable car to drive.
So, it’s time to get your car ready with a car-maintenance update.
This article will provide you with a checklist of key car-maintenance tasks and a great place to go if your family car is due for replacement.
Key Car-Maintenance Checklist
Oil
Oil protects your engine from friction and dirt. If it’s been more than 3,000 miles since your last change, replace it with a good grade of oil recommended by your mechanic. If it’s still within the recommended interval but low, top it off. Failing to do so can lead to engine failure.
Brakes
Make sure your brake linings are in good shape and your calipers are working well. Don’t forget brake fluid. Bad brakes can lead to preventable accidents.
Transmission
Check the transmission fluid and replace it according to your owner’s manual. Check out any unusual noises or functions.
Cooling system
Inspect the radiator, hoses, and connections for leaks. Change your radiator fluid if it has not been changed within the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe (usually every 50,000–100,000 miles or 4–5 years).
Cooling system issues are the most frequent reason for drivers getting stranded.
Tires
Check your tires for wear, and make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure. If your tires are worn, you will not be able to steer or stop properly, and you risk a blowout. Check your spare tire pressure and make sure the jack and tools are stored where they can be accessed.
Windshield
Replace worn windshield wipers and fill up your wiper fluid.
Headlights
Replace any burned-out bulbs, and make headlights shine clearly through the headlight lenses. Replace lenses if needed.
Battery
Check your battery and electrical system. Replace the battery if necessary, which is usually every 3–5 years. If you own an EV, check the main battery system.
Insurance and registration documents
Make sure these are up to date and stored in a secure, accessible location. Make sure drivers’ licenses are up to date as well.
Emergency kit
Be prepared for trouble. Assemble a kit, including a blanket, a gallon of water, some snacks, a cell phone charger, a basic tool kit, road flares, a flashlight, a sturdy shovel, and duct tape. And don’t forget a good first-aid kit.
Trust a professional
If you lack the experience and diagnostic equipment to handle your car-maintenance update, it’s best to trust your automotive service professional. Truly, it’s a small investment to make for your family.
And, if you are in the Suffolk/Norfolk/Newport News/Chesapeake area, come to Mike Duman Auto store for the industry’s best-trained technicians and finest equipment for service and repair.
Time for a replacement?
If it’s looking like it’s time to replace Old Reliable, come to Mike Duman for the best inventory of vehicles around.
We offer new Mitsubishi vehicles as well as an exceptionally wide variety of great used ones.
Our used vehicles feature low mileage and available warranties.
Check our inventory and chat live here. What’s more, we have a wide range of financing options for all credit types to help you get the deal you want.
We are 100% committed to customer satisfaction and proud to be known as a dealership that does things the right way.
Contact us today and discover why we have such a reputation.
