The ABCs of Vehicle Maintenance!
It’s back-to-school time. That means there are more teen drivers on the roads. Even though they know the alphabet ABCs, it is important they learn the fundamentals of good vehicle maintenance. If they can learn the following ABCs of car maintenance, parents will gain “peace of mind” as their teen heads down the road in the family car, or their own car.
- Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
- Be sure to have your car inspected if you suspect there is a problem.
- Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and hazards of breaking down away from home.
Don’t wait to teach your children about good car care until they are teenagers and ready to get behind the wheel. If teens can understand the basics of vehicle maintenance, it will help them become a safer driver. You want them to recognize pending car problems before they get stranded somewhere, or worse, be the cause of an accident.
Here are 10 preventative vehicle maintenance procedures that are important for new drivers to know:
- Check the levels of all fluids. This includes engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the hoses and belts. Make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check the battery. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. It may be necessary to replace the battery before cold weather arrives.
- Check the brake system. Have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change?
- Inspect the exhaust system. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
- Schedule a tune-up. This will improve engine performance, increase fuel economy, and produce the lowest level of emissions.
- Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for safety, such as defrosting, as well as for comfort.
- Inspect the steering and suspension system annually. This includes shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
- Check the tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Bulges and bald spots indicate weak spots in the tire.
- Check the wipers and lighting. Make sure that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly. Replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
Looking for quality vehicle maintenance services? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 for more information about our car maintenance services and repairs. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.
It’s back-to-school time. That means there are more teen drivers on the roads. Even though they know the alphabet ABCs, it is important they learn the fundamentals of good vehicle maintenance. If they can learn the following ABCs of car maintenance, parents will gain “peace of mind” as their teen heads down the road in the family car, or their own car.
- Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
- Be sure to have your car inspected if you suspect there is a problem.
- Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and hazards of breaking down away from home.
Don’t wait to teach your children about good car care until they are teenagers and ready to get behind the wheel. If teens can understand the basics of vehicle maintenance, it will help them become a safer driver. You want them to recognize pending car problems before they get stranded somewhere, or worse, be the cause of an accident.
Here are 10 preventative vehicle maintenance procedures that are important for new drivers to know:
- Check the levels of all fluids. This includes engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the hoses and belts. Make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check the battery. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. It may be necessary to replace the battery before cold weather arrives.
- Check the brake system. Have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change?
- Inspect the exhaust system. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
- Schedule a tune-up. This will improve engine performance, increase fuel economy, and produce the lowest level of emissions.
- Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Proper heating and cooling performance is critical for safety, such as defrosting, as well as for comfort.
- Inspect the steering and suspension system annually. This includes shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
- Check the tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Bulges and bald spots indicate weak spots in the tire.
- Check the wipers and lighting. Make sure that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly. Replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
Looking for quality vehicle maintenance services? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 for more information about our car maintenance services and repairs. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.
