Spring Travel Tips

After the long chilly winter, you’re likely ready to give up your hibernating ways for some adventure and sunshine. Spring is the perfect time to visit Import Auto Tech. Bring your vehicle in for a full inspection. You’ll drive away reassured that your vehicle is roadworthy.
Here are some tips to keep your car running safely this spring:

Changing your oil and oil filter at the intervals recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual is one of the best ways to keep the engine running at peak performance.

1. 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 up, and flush/replace them as recommended in your owner’s manual.
2. Replace your wiper blades. If they’re torn or cracked your wiper blades won’t do you much good in the middle of unrelenting spring showers when visibility is reduced.
3. Check your charging system. Cold temperatures 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.
4. Check your lighting. Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems.
5. 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 your hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage, and check your 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.
6. Check your filters. Your car has a number of filters that are important to its longevity and should be replaced regularly. Check your engine air filter, your cabin air filter, for damage or clogging and replace them if necessary.
7. Check your tires. Your tires are the only point of contact between you and the road, so it’s important to take care of them. Check the pressure of all your tires (including the spare) monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended in your owner’s manual. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cracks or bubbles on the sidewalls. Rotate your tires every 5000 miles, and replace them if they are worn or damaged.
Make vehicle maintenance a priority this spring to protect yourself and prolong the life of your vehicle!