Manager Joe Pottle says the key to keeping vehicles running well today and down the road is routine maintenance. However many drivers tend to put off when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics.
A regular service schedule can help keep your car running it’s best. For your convenience, here are some guidelines to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of the checks and services described here can be done at
little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do.
Every time you bring your vehicle in for a oil change our Technicians do a complete safety inspection.
Check Frequently
Lights
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Engine Oil Level
Check Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Brake Fluid
Belts
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Brake Fluid
Belts
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
Check Every 9 Months/ 9,000 Miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Brake Fluid
Belts
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Check every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Cabin Air Filter
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades
Remember regular preventive maintenance is probably the single thing you can do as a car owner to keep your ride happy and save money on repairs in the future.
Thoughts: What to do in Case You Have a Car Accident
Having an accident is stressful and always unexpected so when it happens it's easy to have jumbled thoughts and to not take the actions needed. We have put together some thoughts to help you maneuver through this difficult event. This is something you may want to go over with the young drivers in your home so they are better prepared in case of an accident. (hopefully they and you won’t ever need this)
Right after the accident:
1 - Take a few deep breaths and gather your presence of mind.
2 - Turn off your engine and turn on your hazard lights.
3 - Check yourself for injuries, then check the others in your car (when injury is in doubt call 911 for an ambulance, then ask for assistance from bystanders. (Better to err on the side of caution.)
4 - Be watchful if you get out of you vehicle and get to the side of the road asap. Often times the most serious injuries happen when a person stands by the accident in the middle of the road. (Get out of the road as soon as possible)
5 - When involved in a minor accident move your car to the side of the road.
6 - Call the police even if the accident is minor. (Police officers in some locations may not be able to respond to the accident unless there are injuries). So be able to recreate what happened for your insurance company
7 - Take pictures of the accident scene if you can. (unfortunately there are lots of dishonest people who will lie about how the accident occurred. This happened not long ago to our business office manager).
8 - Exchange information with the other party or parties. Insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, including name, phone number, and the license plate number. Often the driver of the other car is not the owner so get as much information as possible.
9 - Write down the make, model and VIN number of the other car.
10 - If there are any witnesses get their information if possible. (A lot of people are not willing to give out their information however it doesn't hurt to ask)
11 - All of information that is exchanged or needs to be exchanged can be photographed.
12 - Call your insurance company when you get home.
Pre Trip Vehicle Inspection Can Save You From a Nightmare Road Trip
Don’t let your vacation turn into the nightmare trip from you know where. Schedule a pre trip safety inspection that might just save you from some quality time sitting on the side of the highway. Breakdowns do happen however your chances are less when you have your vehicle checked out before hitting the road.
During a safety inspection our Technician will give your whole vehicle a look over that includes:
1 - tire check
2 - hoses and belts
3 - air filters
4 - brakes (pads, rotors and calipers)
5 - engine cooling system (water pump, radiator, hoses)
6 - wipers
7 - all fluids (transmission, brakes, power steering and oil)
8 - check for coolant and oil leaks
9 - Suspension or steering (shocks, tie rods, ball joints, bushing and control arms)
Whether you're going on a dream vacation or just putting around town we strongly encourage all customers to have your car inspected several times a year.
Every time your vehicle comes in for an oil change we automatically perform a safety check.
