The Executive Auto Group with auto repair shops in Hartford, Wallingford and North Haven CT suggests that you budget for auto repairs and preventative maintenance on your car as one of the best ways to cut your costs and to extend the life of your vehicle.
No one enjoys the unexpected and inconvenience of a disabled vehicle. Most of us don’t like surprises, unless it’s like the delivery of a dozen roses followed by a special dinner. Most people prefer to know what’s going to happen, at least a minute or two before it actually does.
The The Car Care Council estimates the eight out of 10 vehicles on the road today are in need of repair. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you – with lower repair and maintenance costs, higher resale value and a much longer life. So how do you look after your high-tech machine between scheduled visits?
You want to do seasonal vehicle maintenance for driving conditions that vary, but you should check your oil and windshield fluid at every gas stop check your wiper blades for driving safety quarterly, and once each month perform the Executive Auto Group’s:
7-Steps to Avoid Costly Auto Repairs:
1. Check your Engine Oil: Your Car’s Lifeblood
Checking your engine oil is essential to your engine’s well being. The level of oil, which can be overfilled as well as low can severely damage your engine. Service experts at the Executive Auto Group of dealerships recommend you check your oil every time you fuel or twice a month. Please stop in at any of our Express Auto Repair Shops in Hartford, North Haven or Wallingford for a complimentary oil level check with no wait.
2. Check Your Tire Wear and Tire Pressure – it’s a Safety Issue
Look for damage or uneven wear on your tires. Next, make sure your tire pressure is set to the manufacturer’s recommended level. You’ll find this on a sticker in your glove compartment, door jamb or fuel-filler door. Consider replacing air with Nitrogen to extend tire wear to eliminate slow leaks and lastly if you need replacement tires, we have tire sales in all CT dealerships. If you find any signs of damage or unusual wear on your tires, please visit one of our car service New Haven, Wallingford or Hartford auto repair centers.
3. Steps to Check Your Engine Coolant Levels
Find your coolant system reservoir, which is usually located near the radiator. You can see the level through the tank. Top it off if needed. Also, check that your coolant is not a “rusty” color and confirm that the rubber seals on the radiator are not worn and fit snugly. NOTE: Never check the coolant level at the radiator, and only when your engine is cool. You could be severely burned or scalded and of course you should never touch a hot or steaming radiator.
4. Check for Brake Repair Trouble Signs
Find the brake master cylinder just behind the steering wheel. Check the fluid level through the transparent reservoir. Top off if required.
5. Check the Power Steering Fluid for Driving Safety
Your power steering reservoir has a dipstick inside the cap. Check that the fluid is within the correct range. Note: If you have to add fluid more than once a year, it’s likely you have a leak.
6. Check your Automatic Transmission Fluid to Avoid Costly Repairs
This pink or red fluid turns darker as the fluid gets older. If it looks muddy or smells burnt, please let us do a complimentary evaluation at any of our auto repair shops in Hartford, Wallingford or North Haven, CT. Never add fluid unless it is below the ADD mark. Note: The dipstick will advise if you should check the fluid while running or when the fluid is hot for an accurate reading.
7. Check the Battery, Lights and Electrical Items
Check that all your lights are working and test electrical items such as wipers and power windows and be mindful of the age of your battery. For more on auto battery care see Vehicle Battery Care & Replacement.
Choosing the right fluids to add to your vehicle is critically important to avoid unnecessary auto repair bills. If you don’t feel comfortable performing these checks we’ll be happy to conduct a complimentary safety check and top off your fluids for you.
Fans of Executive Auto Group on Facebook are entitled to a complimentary multi-point vehicle inspection. Become a Facebook fan of Executive Auto Group and print your coupon, or just tell your service advisor you read this post at the time of write up.
Executive Auto Group auto repair centers in CT fix vehicles right the first time and we look forward to your first visit.
