National Car Care Month

April is National Car Care Month.

With the grit and grime of winter behind us, it’s time to spend some time inspecting your vehicle. Whether you do it yourself or take it to a shop, April is the time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.

A 2014 nationwide study showed that 84% of car care inspections failed at least one inspection component. 84%!!!

More specifically, when checking lubricants and fluids, the three top failure rates were low washer fluid at 27%, low or dirty motor oil at 25%, and low, leaky or dirty coolant at 17%. Power steering, brake and transmission fluids were also checked, and had failure rates of 13% and below.

When looking under the hood, the results weren’t any better as nearly one in five vehicles (18%) needed a new air filter and 13% had the “check engine” light on. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 17% of the vehicles inspected, and 8% required at least one new hose. 

For more information on vehicle maintenance, check out this infographic.

According to service manager Jeff Schick, “National Car Care Month is a perfect reminder for owners to inspect their vehicles. With travel season upon us, you want to be able to prevent breakdowns that will leave you stranded, especially ones that could have been caught in a pre-inspection. Along with mechanical items, also look at the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Vacuum, wipe down and install a new air freshener. Throw in a good wash and wax and you'll have your car riding and shining like new.”

So now that you’ve inspected your car and cleaned it inside and out, you’re ready to go, right? Not so fast.

Another issue often overlooked is the impact potholes have on your vehicle. Some warnings signs that potholes have caused damaged to your car is swaying when making routine turns, pulling in one direction instead of maintaining a straight path, uneven tire ware and low tire pressure.

Jeff also said, “Damage caused by potholes are every day road hazards and may not be noticed until the deed is done. If you hit a deep pothole, anything from steering misalignment to a full-on tire puncture or bent rims may follow.”

So what’s the remedy to all of these issues? Simply following the recommended maintenance while owning a vehicle will cut costs considerably and will allow your vehicle to last longer and be worth more at trade-in. On the contrary, if you don’t take necessary steps in vehicle maintenance, you will face much higher costs down the road and lose resale value.

BOTTOM LINE: PREVENTIVE MEASURES NOW WILL SAVE YOU LATER