What Does a General Car Service Include?
Most people have started their spring cleaning. Don’t forget your automobile to make sure it is ready for the hot temperatures on the way. Ask your car repair technician about what does a general car service include? It is important to have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you are driving as safe as possible.
So what does a general car service include? In addition to regular vehicle maintenance items, listed below are eight common car service items:
- Car Battery--Hot weather means high temperatures under the hood, accelerating corrosion inside the battery as well as water evaporating out of the battery. You could end up with decreased battery capacity which means a weakened ability to start the engine, and a shorter battery life. The battery connections should be kept clean, tight and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested before heading out on a hot summer day. A tired battery may just need to be charged, or simply replaced.
- Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. If there is streaking or missed areas of glass, they should be replaced.
- Lights--Check that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you coming or going.
- Oil--Generally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index (check your owner’s manual for your specific car)can be used year round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot or cold temperatures. If you frequently drive on dusty roads, change the oil and filter more frequently than usual. Also, check the oil level frequently.
- Radiator, Hoses and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable. Ask your mechanic to check the coolant mixture in your radiator. About every two years, flush your radiator and add new coolant.
- Tires--If you use snow or all-season tires, you may want to switch to summer tires which are made from a special rubber softer in consistency than snow or all-season tires. These tires will increase vehicle performance, but they are more expensive and need to be replaced more frequently than other types of tires.
- Keep your tires properly inflated--check inflation pressure every month. Under-inflated tires generate more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely affecting handling and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tire faster.
- Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.
Need to find quality car repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about what does a general car service include and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has servedvehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Most people have started their spring cleaning. Don’t forget your automobile to make sure it is ready for the hot temperatures on the way. Ask your car repair technician about what does a general car service include? It is important to have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you are driving as safe as possible.
So what does a general car service include? In addition to regular vehicle maintenance items, listed below are eight common car service items:
- Car Battery--Hot weather means high temperatures under the hood, accelerating corrosion inside the battery as well as water evaporating out of the battery. You could end up with decreased battery capacity which means a weakened ability to start the engine, and a shorter battery life. The battery connections should be kept clean, tight and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested before heading out on a hot summer day. A tired battery may just need to be charged, or simply replaced.
- Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades generally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. If there is streaking or missed areas of glass, they should be replaced.
- Lights--Check that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you coming or going.
- Oil--Generally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index (check your owner’s manual for your specific car)can be used year round as it provides the best oil flow at either hot or cold temperatures. If you frequently drive on dusty roads, change the oil and filter more frequently than usual. Also, check the oil level frequently.
- Radiator, Hoses and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable. Ask your mechanic to check the coolant mixture in your radiator. About every two years, flush your radiator and add new coolant.
- Tires--If you use snow or all-season tires, you may want to switch to summer tires which are made from a special rubber softer in consistency than snow or all-season tires. These tires will increase vehicle performance, but they are more expensive and need to be replaced more frequently than other types of tires.
- Keep your tires properly inflated--check inflation pressure every month. Under-inflated tires generate more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely affecting handling and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tire faster.
- Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.
Need to find quality car repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about what does a general car service include and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has servedvehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
