Taking Care of Your Car

1.  Check Tires        

Worn tires can cause blowouts, skidding on wet pavements, and extended stopping distances. This often results in injury causing accidents. Always rotate your tires and make sure they are balanced.

2. Check Shocks & Struts    

Faulty shocks and struts are dangerous. They extend stopping distance and increase tire wear.

3. Check Battery 

Faulty batteries should be replaced to avoid failure. Battery failure often results in road call charges.

4. Check Antifreeze & Radiator         

These items must be checked for proper cold, as well as hot weather protection.   Cars which have been produced in the last 8 years have aluminum radiators. You risk radiator failure unless the antifreeze is changed as part of a regular maintenance schedule. Radiators should also be checked for blockages, which may cause dangerous overheating.

5. Change Thermostat       

Replace this item every two years.

A faulty thermostat can cause overheating, or prolonged warm-up. Either of these can harm your vehicle's engine. Erratic engine temperature can accelerate engine wear, cause early breakdown, and waste fuel!

6. Check Belts

Worn or slipping belts will reduce charging and/or cooling system performance. Cold weather will stiffen worn or old belts which can cause undetected slipping.

7. Check Hoses    

A hose lasts about 2-4 years, yet some of you are driving with very old hoses in your vehicle. If one breaks, you will be stranded instantly.  Note: Like a broken belt, a broken hose can cause tremendous engine damage.

8. Tune-Up & Oil Change  

A tune-up should be performed every year or 15,000 miles. While most out of tune cars will run decently in the summer, the winter will put a tremendous burden on your engine. Cold weather can inhibit your car's ability to start and perform properly. Engine oil must be changed more often in the winter due to condensation build up.

Note: Poor engine performance can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 20%.

9. Fuel Injection Cleaning/Carburetor Adjustment       

Dirty injectors, or an out of tune carburetor can cause the following:   Hard starting, Poor warm-up, Stalling, Erratic performance,    Poor fuel economy Get your fuel system checked and start saving money!!

10. Check Timing Belt          

A fact most often overlooked. By not checking your timing belt, serious engine performance, and possible damage may occur.

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