It’s been a long winter, and winter takes a toll on your car. Chilly temperatures will make the signs of wear and tear show up in the various systems which keep your car safe, and the onset of spring means the time has come for a complete inspection to spot minor issues – before they ramp up to be major problems and safety hazards.
Keep in mind that some issues will require specialized tools and knowledge to repair. McKinney Motor Auto Repair in Albuquerque has all the tools and know-how to keep your car in top shape. To that end, we’re here to offer you some useful tips and tricks to make sure your car keeps running safely throughout the spring and summer months:
- Check belts and hoses for signs of wear. Belts harden and suffer splits and other damage over time. Check hoses for leaks, cracks and attachment issues. Belts need to be examined for loose fit, cracks, fraying or glazing. If your belts have signs of damage, it’s likely that you may have to replace tensioner or pulleys to keep the new belts from slipping or squeaking.
- It’s the right time to change your oil and oil filter. Doing this at the correct, recommended times is perhaps the best way to keep your engine running smoothly and trouble free. Neglect your engine oil? You will suffer poor engine performance, brutally high fuel consumption, and you might even find yourself facing severe damage to your engine.
- Check all critical fluids. Are your power steering, brake, and transmission fluids topped up? Are your coolant levels correct? If you find that your fluids are low, keep in mind that most are held in closed systems. Low fluid levels might mean anything from a small leak to a crucial lack of pressure.
- There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a downpour with rotten wiper blades. If your wiper blades are damaged or cracked, visibility will be reduced and you’ll put yourself in danger.
- Check your battery. Have it tested and examined for problems such as insecure mounting and to ensure clean, corrosion-free connections. Save yourself some agony. A battery more than five years old is a problem waiting to happen.
- Check all interior and exterior lighting for problems or breakage. This includes brake lights, headlights, and turn signals.
- There are a number of filters which are critical to the operation and efficiency of your vehicle. Check the engine air filter, cabin air filter, and even your fuel filter for damage or clogging. If you fail to replace clogged filters, your fuel efficiency will suffer.
- Tires are the only thing standing between you and an accident, so take care of them. Check the pressure of your tires on all four corners, examine the spare for proper inflation regularly. Inflate all tires to their recommended pressure and examine the tread pattern to spot uneven wear. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 miles at a minimum, and be sure to replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
A little bit of car maintenance and care goes a long way in getting your vehicle ready for spring and summer driving. Leave the details to McKinney Motor Auto Repair so that you can rest assured that your car will be in top shape and ready for wherever the warmer weather takes you. Call us today at (505) 298-6734 to schedule your spring tune-up and maintenance.
