Car Maintenance Tips

Properly maintaining your car is key to keeping it in top condition because you depend on your vehicle a lot! Whether it’s for work, errands, or simply for play, you need to be able to get out and get going. Our vehicle service department at the Lake of the Ozarks understands how important it is to keep your vehicle running at its best. In this week’s blog, we are giving you a few routine maintenance tips to keep your ride running smoothly!

1. Change Your Oil Regularly

Routinely checking and changing your car's oil is essential to keeping its engine in running condition. Oil keeps your engine lubricated and reduces friction on the moving components. Get in the habit of checking on a regular basis (when you stop to fill up at the gas station). Have the oil flushed & filter changed regularly, too. Dirty oil can gum up engines and affect performance. For best results, you should check your oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever is sooner. You can have the best tires in the country, but you won't be going anywhere if you don't have enough oil!

2. Clean Your Ride

Keeping your vehicle exterior clean will not only make your car look great, but it can also keep you safe as well. Buildup from road treatments, gravel roads, and road construction can not only damage paint over time but can make headlights and turn signals harder for other drivers to see. Some of these hazards are not only unsightly but can cause damage to paint and the undercarriage. Consider a quick stop at the car wash or if you prefer to do it yourself, a good hand wash and wax can really do wonders and allow you to enjoy some sunny weather as well.

3. Keep Your Engine Cool

Now is the time to check your radiator, engine coolant, and cooling system components. Your engine has to work overtime when it is warm outside, and it needs to be kept cool in order to work correctly. The coolant should be replaced periodically, and levels should be checked frequently to make sure your engine has everything it needs to run smoothly. Take a quick glance at the hoses and belts surrounding your engine, too - when they are in good shape, they will be solid and firm.

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Fluctuating temperatures usually also means fluctuating weather – it is not uncommon for heavy rainfall to hit suddenly during the summer months! To check your wipers, look at the rubber blade (where the wiper meets the window) and look for signs of wear like cracks, holes, and deterioration. Worn or damaged wipers can create streaks across your windshield, making it harder to see through. Replacing your windshield wipers is an easy and inexpensive vehicle maintenance task that can make driving in inclement weather much easier.

5. Tires, Tires, Tires

Engine maintenance keeps your car running well, but what about making sure it handles well? While the tire pressure should be checked regularly, it is especially important with the change of seasons. Weather changes can affect your tire pressure, which can lead to poor handling. If you do need to add some air, make sure not to overinflate your tires, which can be just as dangerous and hard to control as an underinflated tire. Get in the habit of checking the tread on your tires, too. Remember, they are your only points of contact with the road, so be sure you have enough tread to hang on!


As the best car dealership in Camdenton, MO, we understand the need for a well performing vehicle at the lake. If your vehicle is in need of some routine TLC, schedule an appointment with us today. Our vehicle maintenance department in Camdenton, MO is here for all of your vehicle maintenance needs! Give us a call or visit our website to schedule your service appointment today!


Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC - That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

What's Included In A 27-Point Vehicle Inspection?

Thanksgiving Dinners at the Lake of the Ozarks