Car Care Tips
It’s better to prevent car problems from happening in the first place than figure them out after a breakdown. Taking great care of your vehicle and following recommendations for proper maintenance will help keep things running smoothly and avoid more costly and complex repairs down the road.
Routine preventative maintenance with AG Auto includes free in-depth digital inspections to help you catch potential issues before they can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Components like steering and suspension, brakes and tires, and belts and hoses are all inspected thoroughly and if an issue is found it can be repaired before a breakdown occurs.
We know how frustrating breakdowns or problems with your vehicle can be, so we put together the following tips to help you keep your car or truck in top condition and maximize its lifespan. Proper vehicle maintenance can vary depending on your make and model, so be sure to pay close attention to the specific recommendations in your owner’s manual in addition to the tips below. When in doubt, turn our team of experienced auto technicians for any of your car maintenance or repair needs.
Are you unsure about where to start with vehicle maintenance? Following along with these auto maintenance tips from our experts in addition to those in your owner’s manual will help prevent larger and more expensive car trouble later on.
Change the Oil: To keep your engine running smoothly, be sure to check and change the oil regularly in accordance with suggested service intervals. Also, be sure to use your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended oil, as this can improve gas mileage by 1-2%.
Lubricate Moving Components: Moving components require regular lubrication and should be checked as often as the oil is changed. If not properly lubricated, driveline components, like CV and u-joints, can break down and trigger failure of other major components.
Check Fluids: Transmission and differential fluid are other important fluids to check regularly. Unusual noises, sluggish shifting, or abrupt gear changes are all signs that your transmission service interval is quickly approaching or has passed. For fluid specifications, be sure to check your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommended transmission fluid type and viscosity.
Pay Attention to Battery Life: Battery connections should be kept tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Batteries rarely provide warnings before failing, so be sure to seek battery replacements as necessary. Vehicle batteries are subject to normal wear overtime and they are a service item on your vehicle that can be replaced due to age.
Replace Brake Fluid: Brake fluid can attract moisture, which can corrode components over time. Brake fluid should be replaced once a year to keep calipers, hoses, and other components in top operating condition. Other important fluids to consider changing on a regular basis include power steering fluid and coolant. Each fluid has its own service interval, so be sure to check with your vehicle manufacturer.
Coolant Flush & Fill: A fully-functioning climate control system is important for your comfort and overall safety. A complete flush and fill of the coolant system is necessary for ridding the system of dirt and rust that can build up over time from the engine, radiator, and various hoses.
Inspect & Maintain Tires: Wheel alignments can realign your wheels to your manufacturer’s specifications. Wheel alignments improve straight-line tracking and reduce tire wear. If you feel unusual pulling to one side, it’s probably time for a wheel alignment.
Drive Smoothly: Avoid excessive stop-and-go driving, as this wastes fuel and adds unnecessary wear and premature age to crucial vehicle components.
Test the Lights: A burnt out light is not only a safety hazard, it can also result in a ticket and an expensive fine. In addition to regularly checking your lights, you can clean lenses and replace bulbs if they are looking dim to increase your safety and improve drivability at night.
Replace Windshield Wipers: Damaged or worn out windshield wiper blades can reduce visibility and put you at risk in the rain or other inclement weather, so don’t delay in getting them replaced if they aren’t working as well as they used to.
Regular Checkups: Overall, getting your vehicle regularly inspected by professional auto technicians is the best way to ensure you’re staying on top of your vehicle maintenance. Regular checkups will help identify small repairs before they snowball into bigger and more costly problems.
If you’re looking for the best Portland auto repair shop, look no further than AG Automotive. No matter your make, model, or type of engine, our experienced technicians are ready to help with any and all of your maintenance, repair, and replacement needs. If you’re unsure of how to go about any of the auto maintenance steps outlined above, we recommend that you come in for a thorough and professional check up. We’ll help ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for many years to come!
Many auto owners struggle to know if the right work was done the right way on their car. As a courtesy, we provide digital vehicle inspections and photos so you can quickly and easily see what our experienced, professional technicians are seeing. Overall, we go the extra mile to help you make informed decisions on the repair and maintenance plan of your vehicle, so you can drive with confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
