April is National Car Care Month!
It is officially springtime! That means warmer weather, extra pollen, and a lot of rain. In addition to that, April is national car care month! Now is the time to make sure your vehicles are prepared for any summer road trips, family vacations, and camping adventures. A vehicle, be it for a big family or just for you, is a major investment. Take care of that investment by maintaining the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your vehicle. In other words, take time to prevent any car issues instead of needing to handle them at random or inconvenient times.
…Below are some things you want to make sure to do…
-
Change your oil and oil filter. Changing the oil at recommended intervals will keep the engine running trouble free. Disregarding recommendations can result in high fuel consumption as well as poor engine performance, and even severe engine damage.
-
Check your fluids and flush/replace if low. This includes power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. Remember that power steering, brake and coolant systems are closed, meaning low fluid levels could suggest a leak.
-
Replace your wiper blades. Torn or cracked wiper blades will reduce visibility during unrelenting spring showers and make driving less safe.
-
Check your charging system. Make sure the battery is securely mounted and that the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion free. Consider replacing batteries older than five years.
-
Fix any chips or cracks in your windshield. Damage to your windshield decreases effectiveness of roof stability, airbags, and seatbelts, which has direct effects on personal safety if an accident occurs.
-
Check your lighting. If any exterior or interior lighting is defective, other motorists may not know when you are stopping or signal to turn.
-
Lubricate your chassis parts. If your vehicle is not “lubed-for-life,” you will need to regularly lubricate suspension components, steering joints, U-joints, sway bars, and other chassis parts.
-
Check your belts and hoses. Check hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage; and check belts for looseness, cracks, frays, or glazing. You may also have to replace the tensioner and pulleys to keep belts from slipping.
-
Unclog or replace your filters. Engine air filters, cabin air filters, and fuel filters are critical to a vehicle’s longevity.
-
Check your tires. Tire pressure (including the spare) should be assessed monthly, and tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Also check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cuts or bruises on the sidewalls.
Prioritize vehicle maintenance this spring to safeguard yourself and the life of your vehicle! This will help prevent motor-vehicle accidents and keep you driving safely on our roads.
If you do find yourself in an accident, Slater | Grant is here to help with all of your personal injury needs.
For more information about National Car Care Month and the Car Care Guide, visit: www.carcare.org/car-care-resource/car-care-guide/
