During this time, many people are adjusting to the work-from-home lifestyle and staying home as much as they can. While you aren’t adding to the wear and tear of a daily commute or a day full of errands, you cannot completely forget about your car as it sits in the driveway. Have some extra time on your hands? Be sure to keep your car running properly, especially during this time by:
- Filling up your fuel tank to prevent condensation from building up
- Checking your tire pressure
- Driving your vehicle at least once a week for 30 minutes to exercise all the moving parts of the engine and help maintain the battery
- Depending on where you park, checking and spraying to deter rodents and other animals
- Keeping your car clean as bird droppings and certain weather conditions can damage the finish leading to rusting – it’s also a great workout and stress reliever
With April being National Car Care Month, sponsored by Car Care Council, it is also important to bring your vehicle down for basic maintenance. This could go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle while helping to avoid costly repairs in the future. Neglecting proper vehicle maintenance could result in higher costs down the road with more extensive repairs or even losing its resale value. By being proactive today, you could save yourself money later on!
Here are some maintenance procedures we recommend you come down to have us check to keep your car operating at its best:
- Check the oil, filters, fluids, brakes, transmission, coolant, and windshield washer fluids regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system, and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.
- Inspect hoses and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen, or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed, or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check that the battery is clean and corrosion-free. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.
- Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage, and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
- Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defogging.
- Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare.
- Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking, or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.
Are you able to check off most items on this list? – If not, give us a call!
So why is April National Spring Car Care Month you ask? It is the perfect time to get your car prepared for spring and summer road trips! With everyone focusing on self-distancing and staying safe, it is important to be positive and plan for the future by getting your car ready for long trips. Come down to Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, NJ and we will make sure your car is ready for that post-self-distancing, spring/summer road trip! Since we are considered an “essential” business, we will remain open. If you need repairs and are nervous about contact, please download our Drop Off Form or write us a note for the repairs you would like done. Put the form/note and keys in an envelope and drop them off in the burgundy door mail slot. We can also take card payments over the phone. Our mechanics wear gloves when working on your vehicle and will wipe it down with cleaning agents when completed. This will allow for as little contact as possible while ensuring a proper repair. Now more than ever, we want to ensure your car is in good working condition in case of an emergency. Please support all of our local small businesses in this very difficult time. Be sure to stay well and safe out there!
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Image: JiffyLukeSoCal