Let’s face it, times have changed & So has Maintenance
Times have changed, so have vehicles. The typical tune-up has historically been associated with the periodic replacement of fuel system parts and ignition parts as well as simple adjustments to help “tune” the vehicle’s engine. The technological advancements of the ’70s and ’80s dismissed the need to replace a growing number of these parts. Contrary to popular belief, vehicles still need to receive regular tune-ups in order to keep them operating efficiently.
Introducing the 21st Century Tune-up
Designed by the Car Care Council, the purpose of the 21st Century Tune-up is to inform motorists – like you – about what a tune-up should consist of. The following systems should be checked on all late-model vehicles:
- Battery, including strength and starting
- Engine maintenance
- Powertrain control, including onboard diagnostic checks
- Fuel
- Ignition
- Emissions
Is your vehicle ready for Indiana’s winter?
Who wants to experience mechanical failure during the winter? Garvin & Lidster Auto Service has a few recommendations to help prepare your vehicle for the colder months. Some of these tips can be performed by any handyman, while others may need to be completed by a skilled technician:
Engine performance – Bring your vehicle in to get any engine drivability problems corrected. While you’re at it, you should also have your dirty air and fuel filters replaced.
Fuel – In order to prevent the fuel line from freezing you should put a bottle of de-icer in your tank once a month. Keeping a full tank will also prevent moisture from forming
Oil – Schedule regular oil and oil filter changes as recommended by the manufacturer.
Cooling system – Have your cooling system completely flushed and refilled every 2 years. Periodically check the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant. Remember, if you plan to check this on your own you should never remove the radiator cap until the engine has had time to cool. Have a professional to check the condition and tightness of your vehicle’s hoses, clamps, and drive belts.
Windshield wipers – Replace your vehicle’s old blades with rubber-clad (winter) blades. Keep an ice scraper handy, and invest in windshield wiper fluid – you’ll need it!
Heater / Defroster – Make sure that your heater and defroster are working properly.
Battery – Have a professional check the strength of your vehicle’s current battery. Remove any corrosion and build-up from all surfaces, retighten connections, and check field levels if the battery caps are removable.
Lights – Replace any burned out bulbs.
Exhaust system – Let the professionals at Garvin & Lidster Auto Service place your vehicle on a lift to check for leaks.
Tires – You won’t find worn tires extremely helpful during the cold months. Bring your vehicle into Garvin & Lidster Auto Service so that a mechanic can check the tread life for uneven wearing and cupping. You’ll also want to make sure that you maintain your vehicle’s preferred tire pressure during long distances, and have your tires rotated as recommended by the manufacturer.
Carry emergency gear – Be prepared. Keep gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand/kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight and a few high-energy snacks in your vehicle’s glove compartment.
Get your vehicle ready for the heat
The summer months can take a heavy toll on your car. Lessen your chances of experiencing mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. Some of these tips can be performed by any handyman, while others may need to be completed by a skilled technician:
Air conditioning – Have your air conditioning systems checked out by one of our qualified technicians at Garvin & Lidster Auto Service. You’ll want to have your vehicle’s air filter replaced according to the frequency recommended by the manufacturer.
Cooling system – Have your cooling system completely flushed and refilled every 2 years. Periodically check the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant. Remember, if you plan to check this on your own you should never remove the radiator cap until the engine has had time to cool. Have a professional to check the condition and tightness of your vehicle’s hoses, clamps, and drive belts.
Oil – Schedule regular oil and oil filter changes as recommended by the manufacturer.
Engine performance – Bring your vehicle in to get any engine drivability problems corrected. While you’re at it, you should also have your dirty air and fuel filters replaced.
WIndshield wipers – Make sure that you have a clear view of the road – have your vehicle’s worn wiper blades replaced.
Lights – Replace any burned out bulbs.
Tires – Bring your vehicle into Garvin & Lidster Auto Service so that a mechanic can check the tread life for uneven wearing and cupping. You’ll also want to make sure that you maintain your vehicle’s preferred tire pressure during long distances, and have your tires rotated as recommended by the manufacturer.
Brakes – Have your brakes inspected as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, or sooner if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Battery – Have a professional check the strength of your vehicle’s current battery. Remove any corrosion and build-up from all surfaces, retighten connections, and check field levels if the battery caps are removable.
Emergencies – Ask a trusted technician at Garvin & Lidster Auto Service about the kind of tools you should keep on-hand in your glove compartment or trunk. Also, be sure to create a first aid kit – complete with flares and flashlights, and consider purchasing a prepaid mobile phone.
Be conscious of the environment
Having a healthy car not only makes you happy, but it also makes the environment happy, too. Consider these additional tips to reduce your carbon footprint:
- Have your vehicle tuned up periodically.
- Maintain your vehicle’s tire pressure.
- Only allow certified technicians – like the ones found at Garvin & Lidster Auto Service – service your air conditioning.
- If you’re going to take care of some of the maintenance work yourself, make sure that you properly dispose of any of the used motor oil, coolant/antifreeze, tires, and old batteries.
- Pay attention to the speed limit. Your vehicle’s gas mileage decreases quickly when you reach speeds over 60 MPH. Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed on the highway.
- There’s no need to let your vehicle warm up or stand idle for more than 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove excess weight from your car.
- Eliminate trips by spending a few extra minutes planning trips to take care of your daily errands or join a carpool.
- Remember, your choices impact the quality of our environment.