After a long winter, everyone is ready to give up hibernating and head for adventure – the seashore and the sunshine! Winters cold temperatures and icy conditions have been hard on your vehicle, so it is likely to be showing some wear and tear. Spring is the perfect time to bring your vehicle in for a full inspection to identify minor issues before they become major ones.
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HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING SOUNDLY THIS SPRING AND SUMMER:
CHANGE YOUR OIL AND FILTER - Changing your oil and filter at the 5,000 mile interval is one of the best ways to keep the engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even severe engine damage.
CHANGE YOUR OIL AND FILTER - Changing your oil and filter at the 5,000 mile interval is one of the best ways to keep the engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even severe engine damage.
CHECK YOUR FLUIDS - When you change your oil and oil filter, you should also check your fluids. Check your power steering, brake and transmission fluids; your windshield washer fluid and your coolant.
If the levels are low, top them off and flush/replace them as recommended by your certified technician. Keep in mind that your power steering, brake and coolant systems are closed, so low fluid levels may indicate a leak. All Hertrich locations examine and inspect fluid levels, plus top off fluids as a courtesy.
CHECK YOUR CHARGING SYSTEM - Cold weather can do a number on your battery, so now is a good time to have it tested. You should also check to make sure that your battery is securely mounted and that the connections are clean, tight and corrosion free. If your battery is more than five years old, you should consider having it replaced. All Hertrich locations examine and test your battery condition – as a courtesy.
FIX YOUR WINDSHIELD - On highways, were sand is used for icy conditions, and on roads with constant construction, motorist often end up with chips and cracks in their windshield. This may seem minor, but can effect overall visibility. Come in and we can get your estimates to repair or replace. Most importantly - change the wipers! Ice and cold will damage your blades and affect visibility.
CHECK YOUR LIGHTING - Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems. When your vehicle’s lighting is defective, other motorist may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn.
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CHECK YOUR BELTS AND HOSES - Cold temperatures can harden and/or damage rubber, so it’s important to check your belts and hoses for damage. Check the hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering or other visual damage, and check you belts for looseness, cracks, frays or glazing. If you have to replace one of your belts, you may also have to replace the tensioner and pulleys to keep the new belt from slipping. Again, a visual inspection of belts and hoses is a courtesy inspection at all Hertrich locations.
CHECK YOUR FILTERS - Your vehicle has a number of filters that are important to its longevity and should be replaced regularly. Check your engine filter, your cabin air filter and your fuel filter (If applicable) for damage, dirt and clogging and replace them as necessary.
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CHECK YOUR TIRES - Your tires are the only point of contact between you and the road, so it is extremely important to take care of them. Check the pressures of all of your tires monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cuts or bruises on the sidewall. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles and replace them if they are worn or damaged. Again, we inspect and measure tread at a courtesy inspection at every Hertrich location.
CHECK YOUR BRAKES - Winter conditions and salt on the roads can lead to corrosion of brake parts. Nothing is more crucial to your vehicle than your brakes, so get them checked! Trouble signs include pulling to one side when you hit the brakes, squeaking, vibrations, grinding noises and a brake pedal that feels too soft.
AIR CONDITIONING TUNE-UP - The system has been asleep for months! Turn it on full blast, check for unusual odors in the system and make sure it is cooling to full capacity. You may only need a “tune-up”. Add a deodorizer, kill the bacteria and add a small amount of Freon. You may have a leak that needs to be diagnosed.
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