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Car Maintenance Checklist

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It’s hard to believe that summer has passed, it’s now September, the leaves are changing and it’s time to get our car ready for the changing weather!  This is the perfect time of year to go over your car maintenance checklist and make sure that your car is prepared for the coming winter.

  1. If you haven’t had the oil in the engine of your car changed recently, now is the time to have it serviced.  Regular oil changes are very important in your car maintenance.  Having clean oil in the engine helps to keep your car running smoothly.
  2. Battery Service–  The cables and terminals on your car battery should be thoroughly inspected for wear or damage.  The battery fluid should also be checked along with the batteries ability to hold a charge.  Colder weather can really deplete the battery.  If you’ve had the same battery for 4 years or more, you might want to think seriously about having it replaced.
  3. Check Tires– Your tires should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and will provide the traction you’ll need in the winter months.  Checking for proper tire pressure is another step on our car maintenance checklist.  In some of the newer cars, the tire pressure sensors can be triggered by the colder temperatures.  So if your car’s sensors have alerted you, have the tire pressure checked, so you’re sure the tires have the correct pressure they need.
  4. Replace Windshield Wiper Blades– Proper car maintenance includes replacing worn out wiper blades and refilling windshield washer fluid in the washer reservoir.  You might want to use snow blades during the winter months, they are designed for better snow removal.   Please don’t put plain water into your windshield washer reservoir!  It will freeze and crack the reservoir.
  5. Cooling System Flush–  Your car’s cooling system needs maintenance.  Not only does it keep the engine from overheating but it also keeps it from freezing.  It’s important to have the system flushed and replaced with fresh coolant.
  6. Have Your Brakes Checked-There is nothing more frightening than trying to bring your car to a stop in bad weather and the brakes don’t do their job.  If you haven’t had your brakes checked in the last six months, now is the time to have it done.

Before you know it, the leaves will be off the trees, and the snow will be falling.  Don’t get caught off-guard,  complete your car maintenance checklist today.  Let us help you with all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, you can trust Express Car Care.  Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Car Maintenance Checklist

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I’m sure we’ve all seen several different versions of a car maintenance checklist.  We’ve even printed some of our own.  The basic maintenance checklist includes checking the tires, the car fluids and checking the brakes and air filter.  But there are some maintenance items that are often overlooked and we want to make you aware of them.

  1. Spark plugs – You know your car has spark plugs, but did you know it’s a good possibility  that your owners manual recommends they should be replaced every few years or so.  Check your owners manual for your specific recommendations or ask your car maintenance technician for information.  Most automakers recommend replacing them every 100,000 miles.
  2. Battery Cooling Systems – Are you driving a hybrid vehicle?  If you are it’s very likely that your car has a dedicated cooling system for the vehicles’ electronics and/or battery.  Some vehicles even have two dedicated cooling systems, one for the battery and one for the electric motor.  Just like the coolant in a traditional car’s engine needs to be changed, the coolant in these cooling systems also needs to be changed at scheduled intervals.  Check your owner’s manual to find out what intervals are recommended for your car.
  3. Cabin Air Filters – If your car was built in the last decade, chances are fairly good it has been equipped with a cabin air filter.  This filter, similar to the one in your homes heating and cooling system, screens dust and debris out of the air that is entering your car’s passenger compartment.  Many automakers recommend replacing these filters once a year.  This will greatly improve the quality of air you are breathing while you drive.  If you aren’t sure ask your auto repair technician if your car has this filter.
  4. Differential Fluid – You know about your car’s coolant and transmission fluid, but there’s another type of oil that most automakers recommend replacing at certain intervals.  Your car’s differential, also called a gearbox, contains a lubricating oil that is heavier than motor oil.  This gear oil can diminish over time, especially in larger vehicles like SUVs or pickups that are used for heavy jobs like towing, and needs to be replaced.

These are just a few of the things that might not make it onto the basic car maintenance checklist, so make sure you put them on yours!

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Car Maintenance Checklist

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Living here in Colorado, we can never tell for sure when the snow might arrive.  In order to prepare your car for winter driving, here is a recommended car maintenance checklist.

  • Check the Hoses-Visually inspect hoses for cracks, leaks or loose clamps and feel them to check for spots that might be brittle or spongy, that means they need to be replaced.  Antifreeze can’t do it’s job if the hoses that carry it through your system are damaged.
  • Flush the Cooling System-The additives contained in the engine coolant (antifreeze) that lubricate and protect engine parts from rust and corrosion are depleted over time.  It’s recommended to have the cooling system flushed and new coolant added every two to five years depending on the car manufacturer.
  • Test the Electrical System-Have your car’s battery tested and make sure that there isn’t any corrosion on the terminals or clamps.  Check all the cable connections to make sure they’re tight.
  • Adjust the Alternator Belt-The alternator is the source of electrical power when your car is running, it also charges the battery.  The alternator belt needs to be adjusted properly.  For older model cars this is done manually.  Newer cars usually have automatic tensioners.  Have the belt checked for wear and cracks which signal it’s time to have it replaced.  It’s a good idea to have a trained auto technician do these services.
  • Windshield Cleaning Tools-Make sure the windshield fluid reservoir is filled with a non-freezing solution.  Check the pump and sprayers to see if they are working properly.  If your wiper blades leave spots or streaks, they should be replaced.  You might want winter wiper blades that have a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow from building up.
  • Check the Tires-Make sure your tires have an adequate tread depth.  You should replace worn tires right away.  Putting snow tires on for the winter is a very good idea.  Check the tire pressure.  When the temperature drops the pressures in your tires will too, so check the tire pressure more often in the winter months than you do in the summer.
  • Brake Inspection and Flush-If you have any existing brake problems, they will get worse in the winter when your traction is reduced.  Have the brakes inspected to make sure they are working properly.  Brake fluid absorbs water and then collects in the system, it can cause rust, fluid leaks or damage to parts.  To prevent this from happening, most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed every two to three years.  Check your owner’s manual for your car’s recommendations.

If you apply this car maintenance checklist, you can keep your car running and hopefully keep a smile on your face all through the winter months.

Car Maintenance Checklist

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As we move from spring to summer, now is a great time to perform regular maintenance to the things you use the most. Because we rely on our vehicles every day, rain or shine, it’s a good idea to put it at the top of your list.

Here is a car maintenance checklist that will keep you car running smoothly and efficiently, no matter what the time of year.

Once per month

  • Check your car’s oil level. Add oil if running low.
  • Check your tire pressure. Add air as appropriate.
  • Inspect your tires as you check the pressure. Make sure they aren’t leaking, wearing in an uneven pattern, or damaged.
  • Check your coolant or antifreeze. Add if running low.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid, and add more as needed, especially during high use months.

Once per quarter

  • Change your car’s oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Check your air filter and replace as needed.
  • Check battery, brake, transmission and power steering fluids. Add fluid if its running low. Also watch for patterns of low fluids, as it could be a sign of something wrong with your system.
  • Check hoses, belts and cables. Clean if corroded, and replace when you notice worn, frayed or brittleness.

Once per year

  • Replace the wiper blades to avoid brittleness and smears.
  • Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Replace bulbs as appropriate.
  • Check the spare tire to make sure it’s fully inflated.
  • Inspect the brakes for signs of wear or damage.
  • Inspect shock absorbers for wear or oil seepage.

While this checklist should be followed routinely, add in extra checks if you are planning long road trips to ensure your family is safe along the journey. Checks and maintenance before you leave can prevent costly mishaps along the way, saving you time and money.

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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