1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
The first step is to look either in your owner's manual or at the sticker on the inside of your driver's side door to determine the recommended psi for your tires. Once you have that number, check your tires with a pressure gauge to see if they're over or under inflated. If they're over or under inflated, adjust to the recommended psi. This will ensure your vehicle is running most efficiently and isn't at risk for popping due to over-inflation. While you're checking your tires inflation, take a look at the tread depth and look for any damage.
2. Have your oil changed regularly.
We know it sounds like a broken record, but have your oil changed! Doing so every 3,000-5,000 miles will ensure your engine is running its best. Your oil is responsible for taking heat away from the engine, keeping engine parts lubricated and clean, and for helping parts run their best. Dirt or old oil can cause your engine to overheat and your parts to wear prematurely, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
3. Check all your external lights and their function.
This check takes two people to complete, but it takes less than 5 minutes. Grab a buddy and get to checking all your lights and their functions. This means your headlights, fog lights, brights, tail lights, reverse lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, etc. Run through each light individually and make a mark of anything that isn't functioning correctly. Your lights allow other drivers and pedestrians to see you. It's important to have the visibility all the time, but especially on foggy or rainy mornings.
4. Change your wiper blades and fill up on washer fluid.
This point is, again, for the ever important visibility factor. While your lights allow others to see you, your clear and clean windshield allows you to see others, and most importantly the road. In Michigan, we're no strangers to snowflakes, back-road dirt, and bug smears on our windshield. These can all make it hard to see. Making sure your wiper blades function as they should, and your washer fluid is always available is a vital step to your and your carpool's safety.
5. Have your battery tested at your next oil change.
The extreme heat and cold weather can take a toll on your car's battery, so it's important to have your battery checked regularly throughout the year. This will ensure you have enough "juice" to start your car. No one wants to be stuck with the responsibility of carpooling a group to school and a car that suddenly won't start! With a simple battery check at your next oil change, you won't have to worry about your car not starting. Batteries usually last anywhere from 2-5 years, but can be run out more quickly from leaving a light on or charger plugged in.
With these 5 easy carpool maintenance tips, you'll be ready to safely cart the neighborhood around all year long. While there are some maintenance items that should be on your list all the time, there are some components that should be inspected or serviced at certain times during the year. Checking out our seasonal maintenance and routine maintenance pages will get you familiar with everything your car needs, like filters and fluids maintenance. Stay tuned as our Fall Car Care tips will be arriving soon. Whatever auto service needs you might have, we'd be happy to help!
At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com
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