My Car Broke Down, What Should I Do?
Practical Car Care by Miracle Body and Paint (PART 2)
It is ideal to give your car a schedule for a regular service and maintenance. Car owners must always make sure that their vehicles are well tuned for any type of weather or activity as to avoid any possible auto accidents or auto collisions. The following checklist from Miracle Body and Paint in San Antonio Texas will give you a road map to practical car care.
Read up
Take the time to read your car’s manual and follow any of the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Not all cars are made the same and knowing the right information might just save you hundreds of dollars in car repair and maintenance.
Check engine performance
Pick a reliable auto repair shop to inspect ant engine driveability problems. This may include hard start, rough idling, stalling or diminished power among others. Extreme weather can make any existing problems worse, so it is important to have a regular maintenance schedule every start of a new season. Also remember to replace any dirty filter, fuel, PCV, etc.
Don’t forget to check the fuel
Good fuel maintenance especially during winter is putting a fuel deicer in the car’s tank monthly to prevent any moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Remember though that a gas tank that is always kept filled actually prevents moisture.
Change oil frequently
A good oil and oil filter change schedule is every 3,000 miles, but make sure to double check your car’s manual for the specific mileage. If you are driving on a stop-and-go manner or making short trips, frequent oil change is necessary.
Inspect the cooling system
Your car’s cooling system must always be flushed and refilled as recommended by your manufacturer. Also, periodic check up is necessary when it comes to the coolant’s level, condition and concentration. Typically a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is recommended. If you are planning to do it yourself, remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled thoroughly. It is best to have the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses checked by a reliable auto repair shop.
