Tips for Maintaining Your Car

There are several things you can do in order to protect the investment you’ve made in your vehicle. In addition to helping ensure that your car will perform as you expect it to, maintaining it correctly could also help keep you and others on the road safe. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations is always a good idea, but you can use the following tips as a guideline.

1. Change the oil regularly

While it’s good practice to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to how often you should change the oil, there are other circumstances to consider. If you drive in strenuous conditions or live on a dusty road, for example, you should plan to change your oil more often. At House CDJR, our skilled, professional service team can advise you on the best route to take regarding oil changes and your particular circumstances.

2. Maintain your tires

You count on your tires a great deal when you’re driving. Because they are the only thing in between you and the road, it’s crucial to ensure that they are well maintained and in good condition. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of inspecting your tires every time you stop to fuel up.

Look for any bulges, uneven wear or low tread. Make sure that you get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 10,000 miles as recommended by the manufacturer.

It’s also important that your tires are kept at the proper air pressure. Look at the driver’s door jamb or your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure. Check the tires when they haven’t been driven in order to get an accurate reading.

3. Watch the fluids

Besides the engine oil, there are a number of fluids that are a necessary part of the smooth running of your vehicle. These include the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and brake fluid.

If any of these fluids experience a leak, you could be facing a breakdown or a vehicle that is more difficult to control. Either of these could put you in a predicament that you don’t want to find yourself in. Be sure that your fluids are checked and topped off regularly, but at least at every oil change.

4. Replace the windshield wipers

Your windshield wipers perform a valuable service. Not only do they keep the rain out of your field of vision, but they also allow you to remove road debris, dirt and other materials that can make it more difficult for you to see and navigate. If you notice your windshield wipers skipping, dragging or they don’t seem to be performing as well as you expect them to, then replace them immediately.

5. Service your brakes regularly

Even with normal daily driving, your brakes and all the components that make up this system, take a brutal beating. Though they are designed to stop a large vehicle, your brakes still need to be serviced and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning at their best.

If you notice that it takes longer for your vehicle to stop under normal conditions, that it is swerving when you apply the brakes, that the brakes are making an unusual noise or that the brake pedal is moving to the floor when you attempt to stop, then get your brakes checked out and serviced right away. Not only could a small brake problem mushroom into something that is larger and more expensive if you don’t have it addressed immediately, but it could also make it more likely that you’ll get into an accident.

6. Care for the exterior

Regularly washing your car’s exterior will help you prolong the finish. It removes road debris and dirt. When the water beads on it are larger than a quarter, then it’s time to apply some high-quality wax. During this time, make note of any imperfections that you didn’t notice previously so you can watch their condition for rust and other issues.

At House CDJR, our experienced service and parts departments are ready to partner with you to help maintain your vehicle. We want it to always perform at its peak for you in a safe and vibrant manner.

 

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