No, your car itself can’t make a New Year’s resolution, but you can make one for it. Well, actually, it’s more for yourself. As we enter into 2021, make a pact with your automobile that it will be a priority. Preventative maintenance is the most important thing for your vehicle. Resolve to keep your automobile in tiptop shape all year long. ER Auto Care can help.
Brake System Inspections
You’ll probably only need one of these this year. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend having the brake system inspected every 15,000 miles. This ensures your brake pads have plenty of surface left on them, which is one of the best ways to extend the life of the system. A brake inspection also verifies the health of the brake fluid and all other system parts, including the master cylinder.
Cooling System Check
Your cooling system can make or break your automobile’s engine. If the engine gets too hot, you’re on the road to expensive engine damage, including a cracked head gasket or cylinder block if the heat is extreme. It’s a good idea to have the cooling system inspected every 30,000 miles or two years. This is also an ideal time for flushing and refilling old and dirty engine coolant.
Fuel System Cleaning
Your vehicle’s fuel system is basically made up of the gas tank, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel injectors. All of these things can get clogged, especially the fuel filter because it traps dirt and sediment. The fuel injectors can also be clogged by carbon buildup, which is a byproduct of your engine’s combustion. A fuel system cleaning is a good idea if you’ve driven your vehicle 60,000 miles.
Oil Changes
This is the New Year’s resolution you’ll need to keep the most. If you use conventional motor oil in your automobile, it needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. If you use synthetic, you should change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Oil changes are one of the best things you can do for your automobile. They keep the motor oil clean and viscous so it can protect your engine from wear and tear.
Schedule Maintenance
Your vehicle likely has factory-scheduled maintenance recommended every 30,000 miles. This maintenance allows auto mechanics to check everything, including the belts, all automotive fluids, filters, hoses, the interior and exterior lights, windshield wiper blades, washer fluid, and even the nuts and bolts to make sure they’re secure. Resolve to have the mileage checks done if one is due.
Finally, don’t forget about your vehicle’s tires. They should be rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles and the wheels should be realigned every two years. We can do all of these things here at ER Auto Care in Plain City, OH.
