How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Changing Seasons
Our climate is changing. One month it can be cold and wet, the next warm and dry – almost like clockwork. It can be a lot to take in, especially for your car. With this unpredictability in mind, you may need to prepare your vehicle for different weather conditions.
Determining when your vehicle needs specific maintenance or repairs can take time and effort. Here are some tips on how and when to maintain your car to maximize its performance.
Your Car's Fluids May Need an Adjustment
Fluid levels determine your engine's power at any given time and are measured in pints (or quarts). To check for clutch fluid, follow these steps:
- Remove one bolt from each side of the clutch housing.
- Press down on each bolt until you hear a click from one side or another indicating no more leaks are present within their respective chambers.
- Suppose these clicks do not sound when pressed down. In that case, they need a replacement immediately before further damage occurs.
It is also essential to determine what fluid each component in your vehicle uses and how much it needs when operating under normal conditions. The answer depends on several factors:
What fuel do you use in your car?
Gasoline contains additives that help prevent corrosion.
Diesel fuel does not have such additives, so it requires higher levels of lubrication than gasoline due to its excellent resistance against rusting over time.
How often does this particular part need service?
If an issue with a spark plug or oil filter is not going away without intervention, then chances are good. We will want them replaced soon enough when needed, but if they are wearing out slowly over time, then maybe not.
Your Battery May Need Attention
As the weather changes, your battery will become less efficient and lose power. A good rule of thumb is that if you have to turn on your headlights every time you go out on a dark day, it is time for a new battery.
If you need to know the battery life of your current one, check with an auto parts store or mechanic who can diagnose its condition. If they think it needs replacing after three years of use (or five years), go ahead and get one.
Your Brake Pads May Need Replacement
A brake pad is the friction material of your car's brakes. It contains a mixture of chemicals that act as a slowing agent when activated by your foot. The life expectancy of a brake pad depends on how often it gets replaced, but most seasoned drivers would agree that one should need changing before their first oil change.
The most common reason for brake pads to wear down is because of moisture in the air. This could be from rain or snow, so you must check your brakes before driving in any weather.
If you notice that your brake pads are wearing down and not stopping your car, you may need to change them.
But how do you know if they are wearing it? An excellent way to check this is by looking at the wear pattern on the back of the pad itself. If there are no grooves or scratches in the same place every time you hit the brakes, then your brake pads are still fine.
Leaks Should be Checked
The engine needs to be checked for leaks and repaired accordingly. Leaking fluids can lead to corrosion of the metal parts of your car or truck, which can cause significant problems down the road.
Leaks also create a safety hazard because they may spill into the engine compartment and spread the oil throughout the engine.
Your Tires Need to be Ready for Adventure
It is crucial to keep an eye on your tires, as they are the first line of defense in protecting your vehicle from potential damage. If you ignore the condition of these critical parts, it could lead to costly repairs or, even worse, an accident.
To ensure that your tires are ready for any adventure this season, follow these simple steps:
- Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month) and adjust if necessary.
- Check tread depth by using a steel ruler at each wheel.
- Inspect wheels for cracks, dents, or signs of wear.
- Look under hoods for leaks that could cause damage later on down the road when driving over rough terrain or through rain showers.
Let Us Restore Your Engine to Perfection
If you are looking for a trusted auto repair in Houston, TX, look no further than Bemer Motor Cars. We are a full-service auto repair facility that offers high-quality service and exceptional customer care.
We Offer Services to all Makes and Models.
We offer a wide range of services to keep your vehicle running well throughout the year. Our technicians can perform an oil change and check up on their car's battery if it is low. They can also change your air filter and check out the condition of your wiper blades. Suppose you have an engine problem or want to prevent further damage from happening later on. In that case, we can ensure that your vehicle works well before it gets too late.
The Changing Seasons Can Be a Challenge.
Whether you have a personal car or a commercial fleet motorhome, we have the skill set to get everything back on the road again. Among the auto repair shops in Houston, TX, our team of certified mechanics has the most combined experience in the automotive industry so that they can restore your engine to perfection.
If you have questions about our services or what we do here at Bemer Motor Cars, please call us today!
Our Service Department is ready to answer any questions: (713) 266-2690 or
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