National Car Care Month - April 2013

April is National Car Care Month

Free Inspections in April at all Bruce Titus Automotive locations.

Mother nature is shaking off her winter coat and getting ready to heat things up with warmer weather and the Summer months just around the corner.  Through the cold dark days of Winter, Summer can seem so far off that you feel that it may never arrive, but in no time it will be here.  Spring is a perfect transition time from Winter to Summer to take a look at your vehicle and assess your needs before the Summer driving season is upon you.

Over the last few months we have talked about the maintenance needs of your vehicle.  While we aren't going to go into great depth today, we want to provide you a quick list of things you should be checking on your vehicle now to prepare for the upcoming warmer weather.

Check All Fluids:  this includes engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, your windshield washer fluid and antifreeze/coolant levels.  As we have previously discussed, the fluids in your vehicle break down over time and use.  The rate of the breakdown depends on many variables including driving habits, climate and the type of fluid being used.  Regardless, all fluid has a limited life span, and even if you don't drive often and leave your car parked in a cozy garage, your fluids still need to be changed regularly to keep your vehicle healthy. 

Check the battery:  The battery is the easiest component to forget, until it fails.  Perhaps you have had a couple of hard starts, but thought nothing of it.  Batteries life varies greatly, as with all things driving habits, climate and quality of the battery are a factor.  The average battery life is only about 3 years.  Again, that is an average, lower quality batteries are only designed to last around 2 years, where higher end batteries state an estimated life of up to 5 years.  It is important to check your battery regularly and to avoid inconvenient no-start situations, replace at the first sign of wear.

Hoses and Belts:  Hoses and belts should be checked regularly and replaced at the first sign of wear.  Wear can be anything from minor fraying to cracking or brittle.  Belts will often stretch with wear and come loose, these don't always need to be replaced, but they should be tightened.  If they are left unattended, the part of the engine affected could wear sooner because it has to work harder.

Check Brake System:  The brakes are a critical safety feature in your vehicle, one that all too often is ignored until they are loud or there is a problem or failure.  Your brake pads should, at minimum, be checked at each service interval, however, it is recommended that you have your service technician perform a complete inspection of brake linings, rotors, drums, and pads at least every other service or approximately every 6 months.  Again, break wear is greatly affected by driving habits. 

Exhaust System:  Check for leaks, damage, broken supports or hangers, or if there is unusual noise.

Check Heating, Ventilation and Cooling System (HVAC):  the proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and air quality.  A/C units should be serviced annually.

Steering & Suspension System:  Be sure to have your technician check your shocks, struts & chassis parts (systems vary greatly by model, check with your Service Advisor) such as  ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

Check the tires:  Including tire pressure and tread depth, look for uneven wear, bulges and bald spots.  Uneven wear indicates an alignment issue and need for a wheel alignment. It is also recommended that you rotate your tires every other visit or every 6 months.   

Wipers and Lighting:  See and be seen.  Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly, that light covers are clear and not broken.  Replace wiper blades at the first sign of wear.  Winter's ice and cold are particularly hard on wipers and spring is a great time to swap them out.

In honor of National Car Car Month all Bruce Titus Automotive locations are offering free vehicle inspections - by appointment.  To schedule an appointment for your free comprehensive vehicle inspection you may call:  1.866.99.MOTOR or visit our website at www.brucetitus.com. 

What does this free inspection include?  Our technicians will go over the following points:

All Lights                 
Transmission Fluid
Axle and suspension parts
Clutch & Fluid (if equipped)
Brake Fluid
battery Terminals/Cables/Mounts
Differential Oil
Engine Air Filter
Tire Tread and Wear Pattern
Engine Drive Belts
Exhaust System
Propeller Shaft & Drive boots
Horn Operation
Shocks and Struts
Coolant level and Hose inspection
Transfer Case
Wiper blades
Front Suspension, Linkage, ball Joints
Wash Fluid/To-Off
Power Steering Fluid

The vehicle inspection is while thorough is not a diagnostic. If you are experiencing a problem and need a diagnostic there is a separate charge.  Please discuss with your Service Advisor at the time of the visit.

We hope that you will find this information beneficial and will take advantage of this Free service in the month of April.

You Can Count On Us to help keep your vehicle in tip top shape!

-bld

You Can Count On Us!

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