Before your kiddo can step onto the sports field, they must get a sports check-up from their doctor for safety purposes. A similar check-up from your local mechanic shop can easily catch and prevent any issue before it grows into a big one. It is always a good idea to take your car to have an inspection done now and then. Not only can preventive maintenance give you peace of mind, but it is also known to save you thousands of dollars in repairs by catching an issue early. The professionals at John’s Auto Care are trained to detect any warning signs before a small issue snowballs into a large one. If you don’t already have a relationship with an auto mechanic, it is time to build one. Having a mechanic shop that is familiar with your vehicle that is already in their system offers peace of mind. You have a team you can turn to for questions or concerns.
Are you a DIYer? There are smaller things you can do yourself to keep your car in top condition. Replacing your cabin air filter regularly, washing your vehicle, and changing out your wiper blades can feel rewarding, and it is a nice update for your car. If you are handy and ambitious, other maintenance tasks such as oil changes, belt, and hose replacements, tire rotations, and battery inspections are services needing to be performed. It is often best to leave this to the professionals, as they not only have a trained eye and proper equipment, they also document the wear and tear that they see. They are looking for other potential issues that may arise, as they have a trained eye.
We have put together a 7-point inspection below to help you create a preventive maintenance schedule for your car below.
Oil Changes
Keeping your car on a maintenance plan helps unnecessary pollutants from entering your engine. Believe it or not, oil technology has changed quite a bit over the years. This means that nowadays, with synthetic oils, your vehicle doesn’t need oil changes as frequently. What does this mean for regular inspections on your car? Well, it is risky business. We often don’t think of an oil change as a safety inspection. However, that is precisely what it is. Your auto mechanic gives your vehicle a thorough inspection every time your car comes through the door.
Belts and Fluids
When was the last time you popped the hood and had a good look at your engine? Take a close look at your belts, and check your fluids. It only takes a minute, and it can mean the difference between making it to work or being stuck on the side of the road. Belts usually need to be replaced every 60,000 miles, so check your odometer and see how much time you have left before you are due to replace your belts.
While you are under the hood, be sure to take a look inside each of your fluid reservoirs to check that your transmission, power steering, and wiper fluids are all topped off when checking your engine oil. Remember to bring a towel to wipe the dipsticks!
Tire Inspection
Grab a penny and head outside, because we have a handy trick for you to check your tires with. Lincoln’s head on a penny is 2/32nd of an inch, which is still in the safe zone. This means that if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then you have an urgent tire issue and need to take your vehicle into the shop right away. Are your tires wearing evenly? If you notice one side of the tire is worn down more than another, it may be time for an alignment and suspension check. Take the time to notice if your steering wheel is straight when you are driving; this may also be a sign that you need an alignment or that your tires need a rotation. Most tire shops offer free inspections and rotations, so take advantage of their offer, and schedule your inspection today.
Air Filters
This is self-care for you and for your car. Air filters are easy to change and should be done often to keep your air clean. These filters are inexpensive and can prevent long-term damage to your car, so swing by the parts house and pick up a fresh filter on your way home from the grocery store. It is easy and rewarding.
Battery Test
When you are under the hood, take a good look at your battery. We often take for granted that our vehicle will start when we get in. Batteries are vital to keeping you on schedule, however, it is easy to overlook the one thing that gets your car moving when you want to go. Check your battery terminals for corrosion. If you find buildup, take a brush or cloth and clean it off. Double-check your battery connections and make sure they are tight. It is a good idea to have your battery tested now and then. Batteries have fluid inside, and if they get low, the battery can drain and not hold a charge very well. Now is a good time to plug in your battery booster and look at your jumper cables to make sure they are in good condition.
Wiper Blades
Visibility is vital! Taking the time to wash your windshield and replace your wiper blades takes only a few minutes and can make all the difference when it comes to safety. The rule of thumb is to replace your wiper blades in the spring and the fall. Did you know that if you take denatured alcohol and wipe your blades with it, you can extend your wiper blades' life? When you get streaks after using your wipers, it often means that you have build up on your wiper blades. Take a cloth, apply some denatured alcohol, and give them a good wipe down. You will be surprised at the result!
Car Wash
Washing your car regularly not only makes you feel good, but it can also prevent rust and buildup over time. We often think of washing our vehicles as a cosmetic feature. Although it does give us a good feeling, that isn’t the only reason to keep your car clean. Salt and debris build-up causes corrosion. By keeping your vehicle clean inside and out, you can prevent long term rust damage. Plus, it just feels good to climb into a clean car.
If you are uncertain about your vehicle maintenance, schedule an appointment with John’s Automotive Care in La Mesa. Our qualified auto mechanic team provides thorough professional auto repair services, and our entire team prides themselves on keeping you updated throughout your service. Customers from Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Santee, & Hillcrest have come to trust our commitment to quality auto repair. If your vehicle needs preventive maintenance or repairs, call John’s Automotive Care, or schedule an appointment online with us today to experience the JAC (John’s Automotive Care) difference. We are located at 7447 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942.
We look forward to your visit!