I know in this day and age it is sometimes difficult to remember certain appointments…like going to the dentist or the doctor every six months…or having your vehicle serviced at least twice a year! You can ignore it until suddenly you aren’t feeling your best, or you experience a toothache, or your car breaks down.
Here is what your car’s owner manual tells you should happen and how often. We recommend you visit us every six months to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape!
Your owner’s manual states that every time you stop for fuel you need to:
- Check engine oil level and add as required
- Check windshield washer solvent and add if required
Once a month you are supposed to:
- Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage
- Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required
- Check fluid levels of coolant reservoir, power steering, brake master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed
- Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct operation
At every oil change you are supposed to:
- Inspect exhaust system
- Inspect brake hoses
- Rotate tires at each oil change interval shown on schedule “A” (Highway miles) or every other interval as shown on schedule “B” (Stop and go miles)
- Check coolant level, hoses, and clamps
- Examine threaded fasteners for looseness
That is what the kindly, full-service gas station attendant used to do for us. Now that everything is self serve, we tend to drive up, fill up and drive off. Think about it. Do you check your engine oil level or your washer solvent at each fuel stop? Every month, do you check your tire pressure, inspect your battery, and check fluid levels, lights and other electrical items? Many drivers never lift the hood of their car or even looks at their tires, much less check the pressure. Some, when it is time for an oil change are adamant that we just change their oil as they are in a hurry and everything else seems fine.
It is true that our cars are increasingly sophisticated pieces of machinery and that our oil is better able to withstand a couple of extra thousand miles between changes but how about all those other services that the gas station attendant used to take care of for us? Sadly, the answer for the most part is no one! You should at least have your vehicle serviced twice a year at the minimum. If you don’t, think about what can go wrong between visits without someone lifting the hood and someone checking your tire pressure and fluid levels.
Remember, we love cars, trucks and SUV’s! We want them to run at peak efficiency so that they are safe and reliable for you. Don’t be a stranger. Stop on by and let us lift the hood for you.
Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help.
