Wondering What Does a Car Maintenance Include?
So that you’re ready for the cold temperatures of winter, it is important that you take care of the basic vehicle maintenance items listed in your owner’s manual. In case you are not sure what to do, your certified auto mechanic can also keep you informed as to when and what kind of vehicle maintenance your car needs.
So what does a car maintenance include? Take a look below:
- Check the Battery—Check the fluid level, top off as necessary, and clean any corrosion away from the posts and cable connections. Make sure the battery is holding a strong charge for the cold temperatures ahead.
- Replace Wiper Blades—If you notice streaks across the glass, replace the blades so you are prepared for those heavy winter rains or snowstorms.
- Working Lights—Make sure that all lights (exterior and interior) are working properly and that the lenses are clean.
- Change the Oil and Filter—Make sure the oil is fresh and of the right viscosity for cold weather. It is also important to use a good quality filter.
- Inspect the Radiator, Hoses, and Belts—Make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks in the radiator and hoses and that you have the correct ratio of antifreeze and water in the radiator.
- Check the Condition of the Tires—Keep the right air pressure in your tires, have them rotated about every 6,000 miles, and have the wheel alignment and tire balancing adjusted as needed. Cuts or holes in the rubber or sidewalls should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Inspect the Brakes—At each oil change, ask your mechanic to inspect your brakes. If you start to feel unusual vibrations, hear screeching or squealing, or if the brake pedal feels “mushy,” you may need to replace the brake pads or rotors.
A word of advice for winter travel: Keep an emergency kit in the trunk and restock as needed before heading down the road on a freezing day! Include a supply of drinking water and snacks, jumper cables, flashlight and extra batteries, road flares, spare tire and jack, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.
Have questions about what does a car maintenance include? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the recommended vehicle maintenance items and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
So that you’re ready for the cold temperatures of winter, it is important that you take care of the basic vehicle maintenance items listed in your owner’s manual. In case you are not sure what to do, your certified auto mechanic can also keep you informed as to when and what kind of vehicle maintenance your car needs.
So what does a car maintenance include? Take a look below:
- Check the Battery—Check the fluid level, top off as necessary, and clean any corrosion away from the posts and cable connections. Make sure the battery is holding a strong charge for the cold temperatures ahead.
- Replace Wiper Blades—If you notice streaks across the glass, replace the blades so you are prepared for those heavy winter rains or snowstorms.
- Working Lights—Make sure that all lights (exterior and interior) are working properly and that the lenses are clean.
- Change the Oil and Filter—Make sure the oil is fresh and of the right viscosity for cold weather. It is also important to use a good quality filter.
- Inspect the Radiator, Hoses, and Belts—Make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks in the radiator and hoses and that you have the correct ratio of antifreeze and water in the radiator.
- Check the Condition of the Tires—Keep the right air pressure in your tires, have them rotated about every 6,000 miles, and have the wheel alignment and tire balancing adjusted as needed. Cuts or holes in the rubber or sidewalls should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Inspect the Brakes—At each oil change, ask your mechanic to inspect your brakes. If you start to feel unusual vibrations, hear screeching or squealing, or if the brake pedal feels “mushy,” you may need to replace the brake pads or rotors.
A word of advice for winter travel: Keep an emergency kit in the trunk and restock as needed before heading down the road on a freezing day! Include a supply of drinking water and snacks, jumper cables, flashlight and extra batteries, road flares, spare tire and jack, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone and charger.
Have questions about what does a car maintenance include? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about the recommended vehicle maintenance items and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
