School Is Back In Full Force!

We're one week into the new 2018-2019 School Year and I'm sure everyone is ready for a vacation already. The stresses of a new school year can be daunting on students, teachers, and parents alike. While we can't eliminate ALL of the pressures of your day-to-day life, we CAN offer you some helpful vehicle maintenance tips to keep in mind as you try to navigate through the academic year.  Whether you're a first-time driver or a seasoned expert, hopefully you can find some peace of mind with our suggestions.


 

1. Always keep a tire gauge in your car and check your tires often. Low tire pressure can not only cause you to get less mileage per gallon, but could also potentially strand you on the side of the road. Fluctuations in the outside temperature can also cause your tires to give you a "false reading" as well. If you don't have the cash to spend on a gauge, you can always use the "penny trick." Insert an upside down penny (Lincoln's head towards your tire) in the groove of the tread. If you can see the top of President Lincoln's head, it's time for some new tread!
2. Check your fluids. Your car needs a lot of juice to run - transmission fluid, brake fluid, gas, windshield washer fluid, coolant, oil, etc. Keeping up with your scheduled maintenance helps ensure these fluids aren't tainted, full and ready to go! If you're not sure how to check these things, stop by and see us. We'll show you!
3. Inspect and replace faulty lights. No one wants to get a ticket for that stinkin' light bulb above your license plate being out, but hey, it happens! Accidents also happen and broken/burned out bulbs make you harder to see. Save yourself the headache and accident by routinely checking all of your bulbs - headlights, tail lights, blinkers, hazards, even your interior lights!
4. Schedule a brake inspection. If you're hearing any grinding, squeaking, or notice any "pumping" or "pulsing" when you put your foot on the brake, it's time to have them replaced. Bad brakes don't allow you to stop as quickly as you may need to so give us a call today and for just $19.95, we'll inspect your brakes and make our recommendations to keep you and your loved ones safe.
5. Test your battery. A bad battery can ruin your day in more ways than one. Late for work? Car won't start. Have to grab the kids from school? Dead car. Is your car slow to start in those cold winter months? Or maybe your radio has a mind of it's own... could be the battery! Don't let that happen to you - have your battery tested each time you stop in for an oil change. They typically only last for 3-5 years so if you've NEVER changed it, you definitely want to have it tested.

We could go on and on about maintenance tips because let's face it, we only speak one language: cars. However, following these 5 basics will help you ensure a safe trip from point A to point B.  If ever in doubt, call our Service Experts, Carla and Chad, at (888) 484-5504 and they would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Until next week - Have a FANTASTIC Labor Day weekend!