Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-7 PM
Following your automotive maintenance schedule is essential to keeping it in proper working condition. It can also help ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and other drivers on the Lakeland roads. Routine maintenance, while mostly done at a local service center, can also be done at home if you know what to look for. Luckily, the Stingray Chevrolet service center has your back! We compiled a list of 10 automotive maintenance tips to help your vehicle run smoothly and save you money. Read on below to learn more, and while you’re here, browse through our other service tips and tricks for helpful guides on automotive maintenance topics.
Your vehicle’s manual will include an automotive maintenance schedule, which is a list of manufacturer-recommended services and is typically grouped by the mileage or age at which the service is recommended. Following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule will help keep your ride on the Valrico roads longer.
Tires that are at the specified amount of air pressure last longer and ensure vehicle safety. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and test your tires periodically to ensure they are at the recommended levels. You will find the tire pressure levels for your vehicle inside the driver’s side door and in your owner’s manual.
Rotating your tires involves swapping the tires to different positions to ensure even wear, helping them last longer and saving you money in the long run. By following the recommended tire rotation schedule in your owner’s manual, you’ll also improve handling, especially when cornering or braking.
A regular oil change at manufacturer-recommended intervals is one of the best maintenance tasks you can do for your vehicle. Your engine oil helps reduce friction, overheating, and excessive wear as you drive. Check your owner’s manual to locate the dipstick so you can check the oil levels. If the oil is darker in color, this could be an indicator you need to schedule an oil change.
The coolant in your vehicle protects your engine from overheating. To ensure this doesn’t happen, refer to your owner’s manual to find where your coolant reservoir is located. Then, check and make sure the coolant levels are where they need to be.
Cars breathe the same air we do, so the engine air filter must be checked regularly to make sure there’s no debris preventing clean airflow. If it’s clogged or dirty, it’s easy to replace yourself. Check your automotive maintenance schedule to learn when you need to replace yours or visit your local Brandon-area parts center for more information.
Pay attention to this rating when filling up at the pump. As a driver, it’s crucial to use the proper fuel that is suitable for your vehicle to run properly. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should tell you the minimum octane rating.
Your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, and blinkers are all important for the overall safety of you and your passengers. Without working lights, it would be difficult to see the road effectively, and it could also lower the chances of others seeing you. Routinely check each bulb and replace the ones that aren’t properly working. You can even order replacement bulbs online right from home!
Over time, wear and tear causes wiper blades to no longer make proper contact with the windshield surface, which can reduce driving visibility. If your vehicle’s windshield wipers are not working properly, you’ll need to replace them.
Whether you keep records written down in a journal or typed on your computer, keep track of when you or a professional completes maintenance tasks on your vehicle to better manage future routine maintenance checks.
By learning these tips and tricks, you’ll have the basics to keep your vehicle’s maintenance in check. However, if you need more advanced repairs like new brakes or a battery replacement, you can trust the team at Stingray Chevrolet with all your automotive service needs! We even offer service specials to make your maintenance even more affordable. Contact us today if you have any questions, or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you in Plant City!