Don't 'Fall' Behind in Your Vehicle Maintenance

It’s foolish to head out in a poorly maintained vehicle in fall and winter, but even vehicles in Texas need a check up as days grow shorter. 

Regular, routine maintenance can help improve mileage, lessen contribution to dreadful ozone alert days, and catch minor problems before they cause you to check under the sofa cushions for loose change.   

We offer these Back to School tips for your vehicle:

As boring as it may seem, read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

Get engine performance and drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a repair shop that employs ASE-certified professionals.

Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel, cabin and PCV. An unhappy engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline just to make you notice that its feeling neglected.

Change the oil and oil filter as specified in manual (yes, you’ve read it by now).  This change should be more often if driving consists of frequent trips to the local convenience store.

Cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually the perfect combination.

Do you like looking through dirty lenses?  Replace old wiper blades regularly.

Have the battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment not by sticking your tongue on it.  

Inspect all lights, replacing burned out bulbs and periodically clean road grime from all lenses.

Exhaust fumes inside the vehicle cabin not only smell bad, but can also be deadly. Have the exhaust system examined for leaks and problems while the vehicle is on a lift.

Kick the tire because worn tires are dangerous. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping. Lastly, check the tire pressure monthly.

Have brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.  You never know when a poor defenseless squirrel will run out in front of you.   

Routine transmission checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.

And if you haven’t done it by now, read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

Celebrity Car Wash and Maintenance Center is located at 2401 Justin Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75028. Call 972-539-2688 or click www.celebritycarwash.com