Taking care of your car or truck is the only way to ensure that it lives a long life. Bringing it in to Brighton Ford for an inspection is one of the easiest ways to make sure everything's in order, but we've compiled a list of 10 simple things you can do yourself to prolong the life of your vehicle.
Break it in like they tell you
First thing’s first. If you’re driving a new car BE PATIENT during the break-in period! I know it’s hard not to step on it and see what your new ride’s got, but you’ll be thankful you waited later on. Think of it like an extra-long first date -- take it easy.
Don’t fill up if the tanker’s there
Okay, so it this one might sound a little backward to some of you. After all, if the tanker’s there you’re getting the fresh stuff, right? Not necessarily. When the tanker is filling the underground tanks at your local gas station there’s a pretty good chance the pour is stirring up all sorts of nasty sediment, which could end up in your car and cause serious damage. Come back another day or go somewhere else.
Pay for good insurance
Finding the cheapest deal out there isn’t always the best way to go. It might good for your bank account on the short term, but it probably won’t be good for your car. When you’re searching for insurance find and insurer that will pay for OEM parts and guarantee the work that they authorize.
Fix bad weather-stripping
If your doors or windows are letting rainwater or melting snow seep into your car, take a look at it. Many times you’ll be able to repair it with adhesives or foam rods available from local auto parts stores. If you can’t fix it don’t use generic products, they won’t last and you will just be wasting money. Matching weather-stripping can be ordered to fit your car exactly and it’s the best way to protect your interior.
Fix small scratches and nicks, ASAP
Sure, they’re not an eye sore now, but if you try to put touch up paint on spot that has already started to rust you won’t have much luck. If you do it right away you’ll prevent it from rusting at all and your car will stay looking good longer. Touch up paint is relatively cheap, so its not a bad idea to keep some on hand.
Tape that cracked taillight
A crack in your taillight or headlight really isn’t a big deal, but it can allow water to get inside, and that could cause serious problems. Pick up a roll of the red or clear tape designed specifically for this and you could save yourself a bundle.
Wash in winter
You’re not the only who doesn’t wash your car in the winter, but it really isn’t the best way to go. The problem is washing is even more important in winter than any other time. Sand, slush and ice mixed with salt from the road is exactly what you need to make your car rust. Be sure to keep the undercarriage and other areas prone to rust as clean as possible during the winter.
Buy a fender cover
Simple maintenance and fixes can be an entertaining project for a summer afternoon, but things can turn bad quickly if your dropping wrenches on that freshly shined paint job. A fender cover drapes over the side of your car and provides a safe place to rest tools while also protecting the paint from your belt buckle as you lean into the engine compartment.
Rotate your tires
This one is pretty basic and definitely worth doing every 6,000 to 7,500 miles. Rotating your tires will spread tire wear evenly and is a very necessary way to make sure you get the maximum life out of them before buying a new set. Consult your Owners Manual for the correct rotation pattern.
Run your AC in the winter
What!? Yea, I know. It sounds crazy, but you’ll be thankful you did it when summer rolls around. Turning the system on a few times during the colder months will help prevent moving parts of the compressor from seizing up. The circulating refrigerant will also keep seals in good shape.
If you have any questions about car or truck maintenance please feel free to Contact Us or Schedule an Appointment. We would be happy to help in any way we can.
Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction. Brighton Ford proudly serves the Brighton Ford dealership needs, Howell Ford dealership needs, Fowlerville Ford dealership needs, South Lyon Ford dealership needs, Whitmore Lake Ford dealership needs and Ann Arbor Ford dealership needs. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800)-836-8206.
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