At-Home Auto Care Tips in Ozark, AL
At-Home Auto Care Tips in Ozark, AL
Whether you can’t make it to our Service Department in the near future or just want to learn how to better care for your ride in between visits, Gilland Ford is here to fill you in on a few ways to work on your car at home. Even if you’re not too familiar with auto maintenance, you can still perform a few tasks on your own for greater peace of mind. For additional details, reach out to our technicians!
Tire Inspection
Since you need healthy tires to keep you safe, it’s in your best interest to examine these components on a regular basis. First, check to make sure that there are no flat spots, as this indicates that you’re low on air and need a refill. If you fail to restore the inflation levels, you’ll have an increased chance of a blowout in the future. Not to mention, improper quantities of air can result in uneven wear. Speaking of which, if you happen to notice that your tires are degrading at an atypical rate, then you might need a tire rotation or a wheel alignment. Finally, to check on the tread depths, perform the penny test! If you can see Lincoln’s face when you insert this coin into the groove, then you’re ready to visit our Tire Center.
Battery Care
Next, let’s pop the hood and examine the mechanics at the heart of your vehicle. Since you need a healthy battery to get your engine started, it’s important to keep an eye on its condition to prevent issues in the future. Therefore, you’ll want to take the time to inspect it for corrosion or frayed wires, as this means that something is amiss with the electrical system. Moreover, it could put you at risk for a dangerous shortage. Similarly, if you notice that the casing itself appears bloated, then you should visit our service bay as soon as possible for repairs.
Oil Check
Finally, we couldn’t forget to explain how to check your oil levels, as this makes it easier to stay on top of its supply. Although most modern vehicles have a built-in sensor that lets you know when you’re due for an oil change, it’s still wise to be familiar with how to check it manually. After opening the hood, locate the dipstick and pull it out. Then, wipe off the fluid, reinsert it, and pull it back out again. This time, make note of where the level comes to and how the fluid appears. Healthy oil should be free of particles, look amber in color, and fall between the two markings. If you see that it’s dark brown, has contaminants, or is under the lower line, then you should stop in for an oil change.
Hopefully, these at-home auto care tips in Ozark, AL, have given you the confidence and skills to stay up to date with your vehicle’s health. By keeping tabs on these and other areas, you’ll have an easier time knowing when you should visit Gilland Ford for maintenance!