Would you like to make sure your vehicle is on the road for as long as possible? You may not be able to avoid the fluctuating of fuel prices and increasing insurance rates, but you can avoid that expensive new car payment. How? By keeping up with vehicle maintenance and adhering to recommended service intervals. In fact, the more effort you put into maintaining your vehicle, the longer it will last.
If you want your vehicle to operate efficiently and safely for as long as possible, a commitment to regular maintenance and automotive care is a must:
- Regular Oil & Filter Changes: The engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Keep it clean and change it before it gets old and dirty – your engine will continue to run well for years to come. Skip oil changes, drive with dirty oil or a cheap oil filter, and you will end up paying a premium. With all the new synthetic oils on the market, you may be confused as to what is best for your vehicle. In that case, the simplest thing to do is to ask your Shade Tree Garage certified auto technician. He or she will be able to help you determine the right maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
- Air Filter Changes: Though it seems like an insignificant part, the engine air filter is important to proper vehicle operation. It is designed to prevent harmful debris, dirt and contaminants from entering your engine. If you don’t replace it when needed, the air filter will become clogged and engine performance will suffer. If you continue to drive with a bad air filter, it will harm the engine. Depending on driving conditions, the air filter should be replaced between 15,000 and 30,000 miles (sooner if you regularly drive on dusty, dirt roads).
- Cooling System Maintenance: The cooling system is designed to keep the engine running at an optimal temperature, whether it is in the winter or summer. Coolant circulates through the system and pulls the heat away from the engine. The cooling system utilizes a lot of different parts – radiator, thermostat, water pump, belts, hoses. If you just put plain water in your radiator, your engine would overheat when you drive. The water would also freeze in the winter when your vehicle is sitting outside. The antifreeze (50/50 mixture with water) you add to your radiator changes the chemical composition of plain water so it protects your engine parts from overheating, freezing, and corroding. In time, the coolant will no longer be able to protect the engine parts. If you don’t change the coolant, your vehicle will start to run hotter. Parts will begin to rust and fail. If the engine overheats, you risk serious damage and expensive repair bills. It’s important to have the radiator flushed and coolant replaced before it no longer has the ability to protect engine parts. Equally important is changing belts and hoses before they break.
- Regular Vehicle Check-Ups: Find an auto repair shop you trust, and bring your vehicle there for all your service and repairs. Why is this important? At Shade Tree Garage, you and the safety and reliability of your vehicle are important to us. Having a long-term relationship with our auto repair shop means we will get to know you and your vehicle. We keep detailed records on all our customers’ vehicles so we know when you need to have a service performed. We also perform a courtesy inspection each time your vehicle is in the shop and will alert you to anything that needs to be replaced. If there are recall items or items that can be replaced/repaired under the warranty, we will let you know so you can bring your vehicle to the dealer. Here are some more benefits of bringing your vehicle to an independent, family-owned shop like Shade Tree Garage.
- Don’t Ignore Vehicle Problems: Is the Check Engine light on? Is your vehicle making a funny sound? Is it not driving right? Don’t delay getting things checked out. What could be a simple fix, could end up being a safety hazard and will most likely cost you more for repairs down the road.
- Don’t Ignore Dashboard Warning Lights: Your vehicle has a warning system for a reason. As you are driving, the onboard computers are continually monitoring all the vehicle systems. If it detects a problem, it will trigger a warning light to let you know something is wrong. Certain lights are signifying a critical issue (red-colored lights), and that there will be serious consequences if you continue to drive. Find out what your dashboard lights are telling you and don’t delay any repairs.
- Driveway Inspections: Once a month, take a few minutes to do a driveway inspection of your vehicle. Inspect the tires, check tire air pressure, make sure lights are working, check the fluids, and inspect hoses and belts. For example, tires that are wearing unevenly signify a problem. If you didn’t do the driveway inspection, you will be driving around in a vehicle that could pose a safety risk to you and others.
- Keep Your Vehicle Clean, Inside and Out: Road salts in New Jersey will wreak havoc on the underbody of your vehicle. Sun and environmental pollutants will affect the finish on your vehicle. The sun can also damage vinyl and leather inside your vehicle. Wash your vehicle at least once a month, vacuum the interior and apply protectant to the outside and inside surfaces.
- Drive Wisely: The way a person drives affects vehicle longevity. Good driving habits will cut fuel costs. It will also reduce wear and tear. Some simple ways to drive wisely include not taking off fast or shopping abruptly. Avoid riding the brakes on downhills.
- Keep Your Vehicle Covered: Keep your vehicle in a garage or under a carport. Don’t have either? Get a cover. By protecting your vehicle from the elements, you will protect its finish.
Need to schedule a service or repair on your vehicle? Contact Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, NJ today.