Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips!
The holiday season has arrived and with all its added expenses. You find yourself tightening your budget for vehicle maintenance. Some vehicle owners think that by ignoring basic car maintenance they are saving money. In all likeliness, they will end up spending more on unexpected and costly auto repairs as they start experiencing problems, such as with brakes or steering. Avoid added expense and frustration and stress by taking care of routine maintenance issues before you start experiencing problems.
If you haven’t scheduled a winter check-up for your vehicle yet, here are five important vehicle maintenance items to consider:
- Change the Oil and Filter – Follow your mechanic’s advice for regular oil changes. Cold weather makes dirty oil more sluggish. Check the dipstick several times between oil changes. If the oil level is consistently low, let your mechanic know right away. Don’t just “top it off” and hope for the best. Potential problems could result from worn-out seals in the engine.
- Check the Tires – Good tires are crucial to a vehicle’s ability to stop and turn effectively. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and check the pressure about every 1,000 miles. You could be preventing an accident! The proper inflation pressure also gives you better mileage! Have your tires rotated regularly for uniform tread-wear? If they have worn down to the wear bars, it’s time for a new set of tires. You may want to consider all-weather or snow tires for the cold winter days ahead.
- Brakes -- Have the braking system checked every time you visit your auto shop. Watch for signs of brake failure, such as squealing noises, pedal softness, or vibration. A fully operational braking system is critical in snowy and icy conditions.
- Transmission – Typically, most mechanics do not road-test vehicles for transmission problems. It’s up to you to report any signs of problems. Don’t wait until you have a major breakdown!
- Recommended Vehicle Maintenance – Even though scheduled car maintenance can sometimes cost more than is comfortable for your budget, it will save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of all the systems and parts that make your car function safely.
Take care of regular car maintenance! Your car will thank you for giving you good service for many more miles down the road. Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Elk River Tire and Auto today for more information about our auto maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
The holiday season has arrived and with all its added expenses. You find yourself tightening your budget for vehicle maintenance. Some vehicle owners think that by ignoring basic car maintenance they are saving money. In all likeliness, they will end up spending more on unexpected and costly auto repairs as they start experiencing problems, such as with brakes or steering. Avoid added expense and frustration and stress by taking care of routine maintenance issues before you start experiencing problems.
If you haven’t scheduled a winter check-up for your vehicle yet, here are five important vehicle maintenance items to consider:
- Change the Oil and Filter – Follow your mechanic’s advice for regular oil changes. Cold weather makes dirty oil more sluggish. Check the dipstick several times between oil changes. If the oil level is consistently low, let your mechanic know right away. Don’t just “top it off” and hope for the best. Potential problems could result from worn-out seals in the engine.
- Check the Tires – Good tires are crucial to a vehicle’s ability to stop and turn effectively. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and check the pressure about every 1,000 miles. You could be preventing an accident! The proper inflation pressure also gives you better mileage! Have your tires rotated regularly for uniform tread-wear? If they have worn down to the wear bars, it’s time for a new set of tires. You may want to consider all-weather or snow tires for the cold winter days ahead.
- Brakes -- Have the braking system checked every time you visit your auto shop. Watch for signs of brake failure, such as squealing noises, pedal softness, or vibration. A fully operational braking system is critical in snowy and icy conditions.
- Transmission – Typically, most mechanics do not road-test vehicles for transmission problems. It’s up to you to report any signs of problems. Don’t wait until you have a major breakdown!
- Recommended Vehicle Maintenance – Even though scheduled car maintenance can sometimes cost more than is comfortable for your budget, it will save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of all the systems and parts that make your car function safely.
Take care of regular car maintenance! Your car will thank you for giving you good service for many more miles down the road. Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Elk River Tire and Auto today for more information about our auto maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
