It’s that time of year- school is just around the corner. In everyone's hurry to buy pens, notebooks, or dorm supplies, most people forget about one major thing - their car. Going back to school or starting college is an emotional experience for everyone involved, including the parents, and it's easy to overlook the car. Nevertheless, keeping it in tip-top shape is almost equally as important as buying school supplies.
Here are some simple, yet practical tips on how to keep your car in top working condition during this time of year.
Basic Maintenance
There are several simple maintenance tasks that every vehicle owner needs to complete every year. These will keep you safe on the road, as well as prolong the life of the car, itself.
The first thing you will need to address are any needed repairs that you know or are suspicious about. If your car is making any strange noises, if there is thick smoke coming out from the exhaust, or anything else that seems like it's out of the ordinary, it's time to make an appointment with a professional mechanic. Putting off these simple repairs will, inevitably, end up costing you much more down the line.
Other areas that you need to pay close attention to are the tires. Nobody wants to experience a blowout while driving around campus, and neither should you. Examine them for any signs of wear and tear, or have a mechanic inspect them for you. Your next priority should be the brakes. If it's been some time since you've had your brakes serviced, it's time to have someone look at them, as well.
Oil and other fluids need to be refilled regularly, more or less every 3,000 miles, or so. It will help you avoid any future engine damage. If you have an older car or are used to driving at higher speeds, however, your oil needs to be changed more often. Last but not least, are the lights. Make sure that all of them are working correctly or ask your mechanic whether they need
Check the Dashboard
Catching a problem early on will prevent most costly repairs in the future. It is so important never to get accustomed to a warning light in the dashboard and have it checked out as early as possible.
The Owner's Manual
Your owner's manual will give you information about your vehicle and when you should take your car for its routine service inspection. Most significant repairs can be prevented this way, by having an experienced mechanic replace any worn parts before they can cause any more damage to the rest of the vehicle.
Basic Safety Equipment
Make sure that your car is fully equipped with all the necessary safety equipment. Among these, we have things like jumper cables, a basic medical kit, a pair of heavy-duty gloves, a flashlight, extra batteries, washer fluid, fire extinguisher, etc. It's also a good idea to have some bottled water, blankets, winter shovels, and granola bars - just in case.
Keep it Clean and Organized
Keeping your car clean and organized is also a great safety tip. Cars belonging to students or parents can quickly become cluttered with books and sports equipment after school starts, which can pose a hazard in case of an accident. Likewise, this clutter can also hinder passengers from exiting the car quickly or could make people skip on the safety equipment because of the lack of space.
At Mike Duman Auto, you will have access to the highest quality services that money can buy. Be it scheduled maintenance or something more serious; our factory-trained technicians will take care of all your vehicle needs. Contact us today, and we'll be more than happy to help.
