Changing the oil on a regular basis will help keep the vehicle operating in the best condition possible. By changing the oil, the new clean oil will help lubricate the moving parts of the engine. Without oil, these parts can have friction and cause stress with one another. Also know what other parts should be inspected and changed on your vehicle. With overall maintenance done on the vehicle, you can keep it lasting as long as possible when you travel. If you are not sure of the correct maintenance schedule or oil change that you need, make sure to bring the vehicle in and we can recommend the schedule.
The oil should be in the best condition possible. This way it will allow new clean oil to lubricate the parts of the engine. This helps to prolong the life of these parts, and keep them working at top performance levels. Oil changes will also help improve the fuel mileage of the vehicle because it will be more efficient. If you start to notice an oil leak under your vehicle after you park, make sure to contact us. Bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the oil and any areas for the leak. If you ignore an oil leak, it will only get worse with time and result in higher costs because you will purchase more oil than you would normally need.
Besides the oil you will have to make sure no other fluids start leaking. Proper maintenance to make sure they are at the desired level on each reservoir is recommended. On many newer vehicles, the automatic transmission is sealed. On vehicles where it is not sealed, check the transmission dipstick with the engine warmed up and running. Also check the power-steering-pump dipstick, which is usually attached to the fluid reservoir cap. Make sure to check the level in the brake-fluid reservoir as well. If the brake-fluid level is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.
Once a month and before any extended road trips, use an accurate tire-pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare. Do this when the tires are cold, before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving. Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. Also be sure to inspect tires for abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, and any sidewall bulges.