A car enthusiast worth his salt will never miss an appointment at the car workshop. Car maintenance is akin to a yearly medical evaluation at the doctor. Regular maintenance equates to longevity and a car that you can drive on expressways confidently for years to come. Without regular maintenance, you may be risking irreversible damage to your vehicle.
However, maintenance work at your favorite garage may be troublesome with the current situation. Most workshops are either closed or running on an appointment-only basis. If you’re worried about your car and wondering what you can do to keep it in tip-top shape, then read on. There are simple things that you can do to ensure that your dream car stays fully functional till its time to take it for routine maintenance. Listed below are 10 car servicing tips from Subaru dealerships in Albuquerque, that you can do right in your garage.
- Check Your Windshield
Even a slightly cracked windshield can affect everyone’s safety. In the event of an accident, a damaged windshield could affect the deployment of airbags, the effectiveness of your seatbelt, and even the sturdiness of the roof. If you do notice a crack or a tear, schedule an appointment to have your windshield checked and changed. If you’re unable to locate a car workshop during these times, reach out to a trusted dealer of Subaru in Albuquerque, NM and ask them for assistance.
- Test Your Lights
Check all the lights: headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals, and warning lights. Since the lights are how you communicate with other drivers on the road, making sure they’re in working order is vital. Once you’re done with the exterior lights, check the interior ones as well.
- Check the Oil
Your car manual will tell you how often the engine oil should be changed. Regular oil changes keep your engine running smoothly and prevent poor performance, high fuel consumption, and engine damage. You can check if your oil needs changing by doing the following steps:
- Turn the car off for a few minutes
- Lift the hood
- Locate the dipstick, remove and clean it thoroughly with a rag
- Put the dipstick back in and take it out
- Make sure the oil is at the right level and isn’t dark or cloudy. The oil should be an amber color
- Check the Fluids
Check the fluids on your power steering, transmission fluids, brakes, and coolant. If they are low, break out your car manual and check the suggested methods for replacing them or topping up the fluids.
- Assess the Filters
Your car has a few filters. These are the engine air filter, cabin air filter, and the fuel filter. Check to see if these filters are dirty or damaged. Filters that are not operating at maximum effectiveness reduce the amount of air flowing into the car’s engine. The average engine needs 10,000 litres of oxygen to burn one liter of fuel. By changing the filter, you’ll increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend your engine life.
- Check Your Tires
The two most important things with tires are tread and air pressure. Add air pressure when necessary. If the air pressure is still low after putting in air, then a tire change may be in order. An easy way to check tire treads is with a penny. Place the penny into the tread head-down. If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, then it’s time for a new tire. Check for irregular wear and tear. Keep a look out for objects, like nails, that may have lodged themselves into the tires.
- Check Your Brakes
Get behind the wheel and go for a short drive. Your car will definitely need to be taken in for servicing if any of these happen:
- Squealing or clicking sounds when your foot is on the pedal
- Pulling to one side when you step on the brakes
- Vibration or shaking when you step on the brake pedal
- Slowing down or coming to a stop takes longer than usual
These are all clear indications that the brakes need to be checked more thoroughly or need a full replacement.
For more great car maintenance tips, check out a trusted Fiesta Subaru car dealer in the Albuquerque, NM area.
