Most people rely heavily on their vehicles and would be lost without them. Therefore, you must keep your vehicle running at its best. Some items should be checked on a regular basis when it comes to your vehicle. When you take early steps, you can preserve your car’s life and keep it running when you need it. Often the most challenging part is knowing what needs to be done and when. Below is a checklist of items that you should address on a regular basis when it comes to your vehicle.
Oil and Coolant
You should regularly check your coolant levels. Once a month or every fourth gas fill-up, check your coolant and oil levels. You definitely want to check the levels before taking a long trip. Check the fluids once your engine is cool and ensure they are at the appropriate levels. When levels get too low, they can harm your engine.
You want to change your oil regularly. The type is oil your vehicle uses dictates how often it should be changed. The length of time ranges from three months or 3,000 miles to between 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Keeping your oil clean is essential to reduce wear and tear, call the engine, and prevent corrosion. If you are not sure how often to change your oil, visit Pogue Chevrolet GMC for assistance.
The coolant in your car is essential for keeping your engine from overheating. It would be best if you had your coolant flushed and exchanged based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. This helps remove contaminants that build up in the coolant and ensure that the radiator has the right amount of coolant in it.
Air Filter
The air filter is what regulates the amount of air that goes into your engine. This filter also keeps particles and debris away from your engine. When the engine gets the proper amount of air, it improves the life of your engine. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often the air filter should be changed.
Tires
The tires on your vehicle are one of the most critical parts to ensure you have a fuel-efficient and safe ride. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month. You also want to check it before you take a long trip or if you have been carrying an extra load. If you have a spare, do not forget to check that. It would be best if you kept in mind that the pressure in your tires drops one pound for every 10 degrees the temperature drops.
In addition to the pressure, you want to check your tires to make sure they have enough tread. You can use a penny to do a simple test. Many factors impact the wear on the tread of your tires. These factors include alignment and how you drive your car. This can wear down the tread differently on the rear and front tires. It would be best if you had your tires rotated with every oil change. This helps them to wear evenly and last longer.
Lights
You want to ensure all the lights on your vehicle are functioning correctly. This includes brake lights, headlights, parking lights, and turn signals. Your lights are easy to overlook because you do not see them unless you intentionally look at them. You may need a friend to help, but you should verify that all of your lights and turn signals are operating as expected about once per month. In addition to making sure they work, you want them to be well-positioned.
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car are critical to ensuring your car starts when you turn the ignition. Spark plugs ignite the combination of air and gas in your vehicle, which ultimately starts its engine. When they are not working correctly, your car may lose power or will not run efficiently. You should have your spark plugs checked by the professional technicians at Pogue Chevrolet GMC if you feel like your car is losing power. You should also check your spark plugs regularly so you do not find yourself in a position where your vehicle loses power.
If you think your car requires any of the services listed above, make an appointment with the knowledgeable and skilled technicians at Pogue Chevrolet GMC. They will be sure to service your car properly to get you back on the road.
