Seasonal Maintenance And Safety

FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Seasonal Maintenance

Seasonal Maintenance tips to help you keep you vehicle in top notch condition for every season of the year.

Fall Tips

  • Pack an emergency kit at all times!
  • Get your transmission checked. Seasonal maintenance should include a transmission flush and filter change helps protect many valuable components of your car.
  • Brake inspections check for excess wear on rotors and brake pads. Have you heard grinding or squealing sounds? Shakes or shudders when you stop? Brakes and rotors are critical in slippery, rainy conditions of fall.
  • Get your steering system examined to ensure it has adequate levels of good quality fluid. If your steering shakes or is harder to turn, it may need repairs.
  • Clean and wax the exterior. The wax protects your car against weather extremes and salt-covered roads.
  • Replace the wiper blades and be prepared for sudden storms and rainy days.
  • Change the oil. One of the most important seasonal maintenance tips we can give, and the key to a happy car is clean oil.


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Winter Tips

  • Keep an emergency kit and a few blankets at all times!
  • Get your four-wheel drive inspected. Snow and ice require good tire traction to avoid slips, improve handling, and prevent getting stuck somewhere.
  • Examine hoses and belts. Cold air outside and extreme temperatures from the engine can cause hoses and belts to crack and wear out over time.
  • Replace the windshield wipers and wiper fluid. We recommend you replace your wipers about six to 12 months, depending on how often you use them. Keep your wiper fluid filled up because it also helps break up snow and ice on the window.
  • Fill up all the way at the pump. Do you ever let your gas tank run low and then fill it up at the last minute or frequently fill it up with only a few dollars of gas? This can wreak havoc on the fuel system and the engine!
  • Ensure you have the correct amount of antifreeze to protect your engine from freezing winter temps and overheating on those warm days. Plus, it cuts back on corrosion!
  • Check the oil and oil viscosity. Oil lubricates all the metal parts of your engine and keeps them from grinding together and getting damaged.
  • Get a battery inspection. If you want your car to run its best, clear the battery terminals of any gunk or corrosion. Baking soda and water make a good cleaner.
  • Maintain proper tire pressure or use snow tires. Wet or icy roads can be dangerous in the winter, so prepare your tires for the cold weather.


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Spring Tips



  • Replace bad spark plugs and check for frayed wires. The ignition system works hard, the spark plugs fire millions of times. Bad spark plugs add up to fuel costs and diminish performance.
  • Gas caps, radiator cap, brake fluids and more — check all your caps. Fluids need to keep a tight seal on their lids. Keep out debris and sediment so your car runs smoothly.
  • Polish those headlights. After snow, slush, grime, and other debris, your headlights can become cloudy and dirty. Improve night visibility by taking the extra time to wipe them clean or get it professionally cleaned.
  • Tire rotations. It’s recommended you rotate your tires every 7,500 miles, at least.
  • Check the tire pressure. Changes in temperature can create changes in your tire pressure. Keep them properly inflated for your safety and for better gas mileage.
  • Spring cleaning! Clean up the interior and shine up the dash.
  • Freshen up the air with a new air filter. It’s spring – your car deserves to breathe clean air, too.
  • Inspect all the fluid levels. Low fluid levels result in poor performance and risk repairs later on.
  • Need new wiper blades? Wiper blades can become worn out after cold winter storms and warp in the warm spring weather, so stay prepared for those spring showers!
  • Oil changes can help your vehicle last longer and drive better.

Summer Tips

  • Include that emergency kit and some extra water!
  • Un accurate gauge to measure your tire pressure. Hot cement and warm weather can change your tire pressure, leading to more flats or blow-outs.
  • Get the hoses and belts checked. If a hose breaks or a belt snaps, your car may overheat. The key to summer driving is keeping the engine cool. We’re going to talk about the radiator and coolant soon, but first you need to check the hoses and belts.
  • Change your oil and oil filter. Oil is the lifeblood of your car, so change it regularly so your engine runs cleanly and smoothly. Look to your owner’s manual for how often you should check your oil and what the seasonal maintenance is for your vehicle, but many mechanics recommend every 3,000 miles or about every three months.
  • Check your air filter and replace it every 12,000 miles.
  • Keep an eye on windshield wipers because the summer heat can warp the plastic, making them useless in a sudden downpour.
  • Watch your fluid levels, like the coolant, wiper fluid, and radiator fluid. The hot weather and engine heat can cause drastic reductions in some fluids.
  • Warped battery? Get it replaced! Corrosion all over the place? Use a paste of water and baking soda to keep it clean and running its best.


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