Vehicle Maintenance: Have a Safe Trip!
These are words you have probably said many times as a loved one starts out on a road trip. Among many safe driving practices, an important one is taking care of regular vehicle maintenance. Unfortunately, many drivers are tempted to ignore basic car maintenance unless they are experiencing noticeable problems with their brakes or steering, thinking they are saving themselves money. The truth is that they will probably end up spending more in the long run with unexpected major auto repairs.
You can actually save money by taking care of any car maintenance issues before you start experiencing problems. Every vehicle owner should take note of these five vehicle maintenance tips:
- Check Your Oil – Make it a habit to check the dipstick between oil changes. If the oil level is consistently lower than it should be, don't just "top it off," but inform your mechanic of the problem before the "change oil" light comes on. Potential problems ranging from oil contamination to full-on engine seizure could result from worn-out seals in the engine, thereby allowing oil to seep out.
- Check Your Tires -- Tires pay a big part in a vehicle's ability to stop and turn effectively, plus give better mileage. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and a couple of minutes of your time. Every 1,000 miles or so, check the tire pressure. This could mean the difference between stopping quickly, or slamming into the car ahead of you! Also, have your tires rotated regularly for uniform tread-wear. If the tread is down to the wear bars, it's time for a new set of tires.
- Check Your Brakes -- Every time your vehicle is in the shop, have the braking system checked. Watch for signs of brake failure, such as squealing noises, pedal softness, or vibration.
- Check the Transmission – Don't let transmission problems take control of your vacation by stranding you in a strange town looking for a transmission repair. Most mechanics do not road-test transmissions (except as part of a major vehicle maintenance service), so it's up to you to report any signs of problems.
- Perform All Recommended Services – Even though scheduled car maintenance can sometimes cost more than you have budgeted, it will save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of all the systems and parts that make your car function safely.
Remember: You can't afford to wait for something to go wrong before you tend to vehicle maintenance items.
Before heading out for your summer road trip, contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information about car maintenance issues. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional vehicle maintenance service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
These are words you have probably said many times as a loved one starts out on a road trip. Among many safe driving practices, an important one is taking care of regular vehicle maintenance. Unfortunately, many drivers are tempted to ignore basic car maintenance unless they are experiencing noticeable problems with their brakes or steering, thinking they are saving themselves money. The truth is that they will probably end up spending more in the long run with unexpected major auto repairs.
You can actually save money by taking care of any car maintenance issues before you start experiencing problems. Every vehicle owner should take note of these five vehicle maintenance tips:
- Check Your Oil – Make it a habit to check the dipstick between oil changes. If the oil level is consistently lower than it should be, don't just "top it off," but inform your mechanic of the problem before the "change oil" light comes on. Potential problems ranging from oil contamination to full-on engine seizure could result from worn-out seals in the engine, thereby allowing oil to seep out.
- Check Your Tires -- Tires pay a big part in a vehicle's ability to stop and turn effectively, plus give better mileage. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and a couple of minutes of your time. Every 1,000 miles or so, check the tire pressure. This could mean the difference between stopping quickly, or slamming into the car ahead of you! Also, have your tires rotated regularly for uniform tread-wear. If the tread is down to the wear bars, it's time for a new set of tires.
- Check Your Brakes -- Every time your vehicle is in the shop, have the braking system checked. Watch for signs of brake failure, such as squealing noises, pedal softness, or vibration.
- Check the Transmission – Don't let transmission problems take control of your vacation by stranding you in a strange town looking for a transmission repair. Most mechanics do not road-test transmissions (except as part of a major vehicle maintenance service), so it's up to you to report any signs of problems.
- Perform All Recommended Services – Even though scheduled car maintenance can sometimes cost more than you have budgeted, it will save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of all the systems and parts that make your car function safely.
Remember: You can't afford to wait for something to go wrong before you tend to vehicle maintenance items.
Before heading out for your summer road trip, contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information about car maintenance issues. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional vehicle maintenance service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
