Why is Car Service Necessary?
Winter is here in full force in many parts of the country. You may have started thinking about an early spring-summer trip. The first, and most important step in planning your trip is to make sure all the recommended car repair issues and service items have been taken care of before you head out. Even the smallest problem can turn a fun road trip into a frustrating experience.
The tips below will help make sure you can drive your vehicle with confidence, knowing that it is in tip-top condition:
- Read your owner's manual. This is the first thing you should do to find out everything you need to know about the recommended car repair and service at the right mileage interval.
- Unusual noises or vibrations. Pay attention to signs of potential problems and be able to describe your problems in concise terms so that they can be fixed before it turns into a major problem.
- Pre-Trip Inspection. A pre-trip inspection can be performed at any auto shop by a certified auto technician:
- Oil—Have the oil changed before you leave on your road trip,
- Tires—At about each oil change, have your tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, and air pressure and tread wear inspected (including the spare).
- Car battery—If more than four to five years old, it is time to replace it. A good battery will hold a strong charge.
- All fluids—Top-off fluids as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Air filter—It should be replaced at certain mileage intervals.
- Horn—Generally, to be used only in emergency situations so make sure the horn is loud and clear.
- Windshield wipers—there should not be any streaks across the glass. Replace if they are more than six to 12 months old.
- Lights—replace bulbs that are burned out or broken and clean the lenses.
- A/C—Make sure it is blowing cold air.
- Emergency kit – Keep a kit in the car for emergency situations, including a first aid kit, roadside flares, extra quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, a multipurpose tool with knife, jack, a few rags, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
So why is car service necessary? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto Center for more information about car repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Winter is here in full force in many parts of the country. You may have started thinking about an early spring-summer trip. The first, and most important step in planning your trip is to make sure all the recommended car repair issues and service items have been taken care of before you head out. Even the smallest problem can turn a fun road trip into a frustrating experience.
The tips below will help make sure you can drive your vehicle with confidence, knowing that it is in tip-top condition:
- Read your owner's manual. This is the first thing you should do to find out everything you need to know about the recommended car repair and service at the right mileage interval.
- Unusual noises or vibrations. Pay attention to signs of potential problems and be able to describe your problems in concise terms so that they can be fixed before it turns into a major problem.
- Pre-Trip Inspection. A pre-trip inspection can be performed at any auto shop by a certified auto technician:
- Oil—Have the oil changed before you leave on your road trip,
- Tires—At about each oil change, have your tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, and air pressure and tread wear inspected (including the spare).
- Car battery—If more than four to five years old, it is time to replace it. A good battery will hold a strong charge.
- All fluids—Top-off fluids as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Air filter—It should be replaced at certain mileage intervals.
- Horn—Generally, to be used only in emergency situations so make sure the horn is loud and clear.
- Windshield wipers—there should not be any streaks across the glass. Replace if they are more than six to 12 months old.
- Lights—replace bulbs that are burned out or broken and clean the lenses.
- A/C—Make sure it is blowing cold air.
- Emergency kit – Keep a kit in the car for emergency situations, including a first aid kit, roadside flares, extra quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, a multipurpose tool with knife, jack, a few rags, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
So why is car service necessary? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto Center for more information about car repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
