5 Used Car Maintenance Tips

Keeping your vehicle in good working order takes work. With proper maintenance, however, you can confidently drive your used car for many years to come. In addition, keeping up with routine maintenance can actually help you to avoid major mechanical problems, which means you will be saving a lot of time and money. No matter what type of used car you drive, make sure to keep these maintenance tips in mind.

Read the Maintenance Schedule from Your Owner’s Manual

All vehicles come with an owner’s manual, and in that manual is the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for normal maintenance. While most people know about things like oil changes, there are many other tasks that need to be done on a set schedule. Keeping up with things like transmission flushes, belt replacements, filter replacements, and more will really help to extend the life of your used car.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly

Properly working tires are critical for a smooth and safe ride. Check the tread of your tires every few months to make sure they are sufficient. In addition, check the air pressure in your tires to ensure there are no leaks and that they are properly inflated. Good tires can make a huge difference in the overall ride and safety of your vehicle.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Checking the refrigerant on your air conditioning system is essential. If you notice that your AC is not blowing as cold as it once was, it may need to be recharged. Air conditioning is not only important during the hot months of the summer, but it also helps to pull moisture out of the air to make defrosting the windshield more effective all year long.

Take Action on All Body Damage

It can be tempting to just ignore a little scratch or dent on your car. While these things may be minor blemishes at first, they should always be fixed as soon as possible. Scratches will remove the protective paint, which leaves your vehicle susceptible to rust. Dents are unsightly and can also be the first indicator of further damage behind the panels. In most cases, fixing minor body damage right away is simple and affordable, especially when compared to the costs of trying to deal with it months or years down the road.

Check Fluid Levels when Filling Up

Checking things like oil levels, engine coolant, transmission fluids, windshield wiper fluid, and other liquids in your vehicle is important. Getting in the habit of checking these levels each time you fill up your vehicle with gas is a good idea. It is always better to add additional fluids before it causes a problem. Some fluids will be used up normally over time, but for others, low fluid levels is an early indicator of a leak or other problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Central City Toyota Service Center

If you find anything wrong with your vehicle that you aren’t comfortable fixing on your own, the experienced mechanics at our car dealership in Philadelphia are here to help. Also be sure to check our Toyota service coupons that can help you save on your next visit. Give us a call at (215) 660-3049, or schedule a service appointment  today. 

Tags: Air Conditioning, Rotating Tires, Wiper Fluid
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