April is National Car Care Month. It is a great It’s time to think about taking care of your car, it will make it last longer and cost less in the future for repairs.
Most automotive service departments welcome you to perform repairs, recalls and other service needs. But you can also maintain your vehicle from home with a vehicle check at the entrance.
“A vehicle inspection at the entrance only takes about 10 minutes. These simple steps will help keep you on the road so you can run important errands and get to your destinations safely,” said Rich White, executive director of Car Care Council.
The Car Care Council offers these tips:
- Check all fluidsincluding engine, power steering and brake and transmission oil, as well as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check hoses and straps that may crack, break, tear, loosen or show signs of excessive wear. They are essential for the proper functioning of the electrical system, the air conditioning, the power steering and the cooling system.
- Check the tires, including tire and tread pressure. Uneven wear indicates the need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Also check the air in the spare wheel! It’s a nasty surprise when you need a spare only to find it has no air. One last thing: If your wheels have wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is.
- Check the wipers and lighting so you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving in precipitation. Keep the tank full of solvent.
If at any point in this process you find that your vehicle needs a repair or a new part, I suggest you take it to your dealer or a trusted repair shop. You will find my tips on how to find a good repair shop here.
Photo credit: ARENA Creative/Shutterstock.com.
This article originally appeared on CarProUSA
