Fall Tune-Up Tips
Whether we want to believe it or not, fall is just around
the corner. The temperature will start to drop, the leaves will start to change
and it will be the perfect time to make sure your car is in great shape and is
ready for the winter months ahead. Maintaining your car is the key to keeping
it reliable and on the road! Here at Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, the best car dealership in Lake of the Ozarks, we want you to stay safe while on the road at all times. Check out
these tips for maintaining your vehicle this fall:
Check breaks and
tires – bad weather and road conditions require good stopping power. This
means that you need good breaks and tires. If you’re tires have wear bars
showing, you need to replace them. Having good traction on slippery roads is
important. Once the temperature starts to drop, you should check and monitor
the tire pressure. Keep the tire pressure at levels that are recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer.
Check the battery
– make sure the battery connections are clean, tight and corrosion-free. It is
a good idea to regularly check the battery and charging system as the cold
weather sets in. If your battery is more than three years old, it might be time
to replace it. You should have the battery and charging system inspected by a
trained technician who can then replace it if necessary.
Replace windshield
wiper blades – check that your wiper blades are not cracked or torn. If
they are cracked or torn, they won’t do an adequate job when it comes to
clearing the windshield. It’s a great idea to replace wiper blades at the first
sight of a crack or tear.
Check the heater/defroster - driving with a heater that isn't properly functioning is not only miserable in the winter, but it's also very unsafe. Driving with windows that are all foggy is an accident waiting to happen. Check both front and rear window defrosters to make sure they are properly working.
Check your lights
– you should do a physical inspection of the car to ensure that the lights are
all in operation. If necessary, replace all broken bulbs and those that have
stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean and free of any debris. If your
lights are looking a little foggy, you can use toothpaste to clean them up!
Look under the hood
– this will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear. Check for any
cracks, leaks, or loose clamps in the cooling system. Inspect the underside of
drive belts and replace if necessary. If you want to err on the side of
caution, have a licensed mechanic look at your engine to ensure it is properly
function.
Think half full –
in order to help prevent freezing and to keep moisture from forming in the gas
line, keep your gas tank at least half full during the colder months. You
should also stay on top of oil levels and make sure the oil is being changed.
Hopefully after reading these tips you are more prepared to
get your car ready this fall! Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all on
your own. Our service department at Hulett
Chevrolet-Buick-GMC is here to help! We offer high-quality, professional vehicle maintenance at the Lake of the Ozarks
and we would be happy to help you with any of your vehicle’s needs. Give us a
call today!
That's The Way
We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO
65020
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service:
573.317.4195
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