After another particularly lousy winter, we can all turn our thoughts to spring and then summer. Road trips await us. Picnics await us. Visiting friends awaits us. All of those activities, of course, mean extra work for your vehicle, so don’t you think it might be a good idea to do a little maintenance before summer gets here? Nothing ruins a vacation faster than having your car break down in the middle of nowhere.
Car maintenance does not have to be difficult. Follow these simple car maintenance tips before summer gets here and then enjoy the great weather and have fun, knowing that your vehicle is running smoothly.
$1· Twice a year you should replace your air filter. It takes five minutes to do it and it will save you gasoline and allow your engine to run smoother.
$1· Check the tread on your tires and check tire pressure weekly.
$1· Replace windshield wipers and check all lights and replace if necessary.
$1· Check your brakes and brake fluid at least twice a year.
$1· Check your battery and battery terminals to make sure there is no rust or corrosion.
$1· Flush your radiator of coolant and add new coolant. Why? Because it will break down over time and leave small particles of gunk in your cooling system.
$1· Check your transmission fluid monthly. A new transmission will cost you a couple thousand dollars. New transmission fluid will cost you about ten bucks. Which would you rather pay?
$1· Check your windshield for cracks and chips and replace if necessary.
$1· Change all filters on your vehicle.
$1· Change your oil and of course the oil filter.
Now here’s the thing: this entire list of car maintenance tips will take you a couple hours to complete. Two hours two or three times per year. Isn’t it worth it to spend two hours now instead of waiting or a tow truck in the middle of Iowa on SR 12 in ninety degree heat?
And yes, we know, you are all about saving money. Well isn’t everybody? So save money by doing the repairs yourself. Go buy any replacement parts at your local salvage yard. Right off you save up to 50% on car parts by shopping at the salvage yard; then you save $75 per hour by doing the work yourself and not paying a mechanic.
The summer is waiting for you. Don’t miss out on the fun. Follow these car maintenance tips now so you can have fun later.