Preventative maintenance plays a key role in the safety, longevity, performance and reliability of whichever vehicle you drive. Reminder or warning lights, check engine lights, vibrations, pulling, squealing & clunking noises, are all things that you should have checked out in a timely fashion.
Always consult your owner’s manual for individual service schedules because maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer.
Oil – Change the oil and filter regularly according to the owner’s manual maintenance schedule.
Air filter – Don’t let your vehicles air filter get too dirty. A clogged filter restricts airflow, robbing horsepower and potentially fuel economy.
Tire pressure – Underinflated tires waste gas and can prematurely wear out the tires, because they generate more friction on the road. Making sure your tires are properly inflated is one of the easiest things you can do to optimize fuel economy and tire longevity.
Brakes – Your vehicle’s brakes should feel smooth and perform quietly. If you feel shuddering or hear a grinding sound when you step on the brakes, they should be inspected as soon as possible.
Timing belt – If your vehicle has 50,000-70,000 miles or more, it’s a good idea to check the Owner’s manual for the recommended service interval for the engine’s timing belt. It can break without warning, leaving your car immobile until it’s changed.
Tire vibration – A vibration felt at certain speeds or one that increases in severity with the speed of the vehicle can indicate out-of-balance tires or tires that need replacement.
Either way, don’t ignore a vibration, get it checked.
Alternator – If your vehicle’s battery or charge indicator light comes on, it may not be a battery problem, but a faulty charging system. The red light is essentially a warning that the system isn’t charging the battery and you don’t have very far to drive before the battery goes dead.
Tune up – Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.
Wiper blades – Windshield wiper blades should be checked for cracks, cuts, and tears, streaking and chattering. Sand, salt and Florida’s intense sun will cause the wiper blades to wear more quickly. Replace them once a year or sooner if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms.
Cabin air filter -These filters clean the air you breathe by trapping airborne pollen, mold fine and course particulate matter. A dirty cabin air filter may also impede airflow, decreasing ale and heating performance.
Visit us for all of your maintenance and repair needs. Call 239-772-4494 to schedule your appointment today!
Blast Auto Service Inc.
1120 SE 9th Lane
Cape Coral, FL 33990
Phone (239) 772-4494