|
Your car can be affected by the hard economic times as well.......read on.
With the tough economic times, we all seem to be affected in ways some may have never anticipated? Don't forget about the maintenance on your vehicle during these tough times. Letting the maintenance lapse on your vehicle, will most likely cost you more in the long run. Letting your vehicle sit during these times may be one way that you're trying to save money or cut back. Keep in mind, it is equally important to maintain your vehicle during this time frame. Why is this? Several different reasons such as:
1) Shorter trips are harder on your vehicle versus longer trips. The vehicle may not get up to normal operating temperature and that can cause condensation issues in the exhaust, resulting in premature exhaust system erosion. Engine oil can become "acidic" if not changed on a regular interval and this can cause internal engine damage, which is very expensive to repair.
2) Not filling your fuel tank during this time of year and driving the vehicle less may cause condensation in the fuel tank. On older vehicles with metal fuel tanks, this can cause rust in the system, which eventually may work its way through the fuel system to either the carburetor, or the fuel injection system, depending on your type of vehicle. Most newer vehicles have plastic fuel tanks and plastic fuel tanks can sweat as much as metal and create condensation in the fuel system as well. The fuel injection systems on today's vehicles are very expensive to repair. With some simple and cost effective preventative maintenance such as replacing your fuel filter, cleaning fuel injectors and using the proper additives to help reduce condensation for this time of year, you can save on costly fuel system repairs. One of the most overlooked maintenance items on a vehicle is the fuel filter. On most applications, the fuel filter should be replaced about every two years depending on driving habits, miles driven per year and even the quality of fuel you use.
3) Maintain those tires. Even if not driving much, all tires will "vent". Your tire
pressure can go down even if you're not driving your vehicle and should be checked on a regular basis. Check tires for weather checking, splits, tears and overall condition on a regular basis since this will help ensure your safety. Check the tread depth of your tires, if low make sure and replace them. Worn tires provide very little traction, especially in adverse weather conditions.
4) Check all lights, wiper blades and fluid levels. If you're not sure the service facility maintaining your vehicle is checking these items, make sure and ask them on your next service. Not all service facilities check these items during routine maintenance.
5) Check your battery. If your vehicle is driven less than usual you should have the
Battery checked in your vehicle. Most modern day vehicles have lots of components that require a keep alive memory such as the radio, seats, mirrors, computer system etc. Driving your vehicle on a regular basis helps to keep the battery charged so if your vehicle sits for extended periods of time you may want to have a battery maintainer installed to help keep the battery charged to its full state, ensuring proper voltage the next time you start your vehicle.
6) Most reputable service facilities will give you recommendations for service,
repairs and/or maintenance items. Don't be afraid to ask questions about these recommendations and why they are being recommended? Ask your repair facility if they offer e-mail reminders and recommendations as a service to their clients.
There are many other contributing factors leading to your vehicles maintenance needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
Prepared by Scott A Carlson
Benchmark Automotive Tire and Service-Kingston
Benchmarkautoandtire.com
Help us support the Kingston Share Net this holiday season. Drop off two or more non-perishable food items and save on your service or repair work. |
