Our Goal is to Keep You Safe. Below are Some Safety Tips. Brake Service The brake system is your cars most important safety system. Avoid getting to the metal-to-metal point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement. Have your brake linings, drums and rotors, brake fluid, and parking brake inspected at each oil change. Tire Safety Keep your tires properly inflated. Your vehicles handling depends on tires with correct air pressure. Proper inflation can also prevent uneven wear, pre-mature replacement and reduces fuel consumption. Look at the vehicle tire label or vehicle compliance label on the driver side door jam for information regarding the correct inflation pressure. Windshield Wipers Inspect windshield wiper blades every six months, or when they are performing poorly. They may need replacement or a simple cleaning with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Do not use gasoline or other solvents. Tune-Up A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy and produces the lowest level of emissions. Typical spark plug replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug. Belts & Hoses A broken belt or hose on your car can mean breaking down and getting stranded. It's not easy to know the true condition of a belt or hose by its outward appearance because most fail from the inside out. So make sure you have them checked at each oil change. Filters Your car's filters are normal wear items that require regular checks and replacements. Oil, fuel, and air filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort. The symptoms you may have when your filters need to be replaced include poor gas mileage, hesitation while accelerating, or a musty odor in the cabin. Wheel Alignment Maintaining your car's wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety. Have your car's alignment checked at least annually, or at the first sign of abnormal tire wear or improper vehicle handling. Check Engine Light An illuminated "Check Engine" light indicates a problem detected by your car's on-board diagnostic system. A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity. Transmission The transmission works with the engine to provide power to your car's wheels, and plays a major role in the overall dependability of your car. Make sure to have it checked at the first sign of problems. Some symptoms to look for include bucking, hesitation, grinding gears, and difficulty shifting. For maximum performance, have your transmission fluid changed every 2 years or 24,000 miles. Battery Your battery is vital to the operation and dependability of your car. If it is three years old or more, you should have it tested and replaced if necessary. Make sure your battery is securely mounted and the connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Have your battery tested if you notice dim headlight and interior lights, your "Check Engine" and/or battery light comes on, or your accessories fail to operate. |