Spring is in the air and with the warm weather, it is time to get your car in shape for road trips and fun weekend getaways. Here are some simple maintenance tips to ensure that your vehicle is ready for Spring activities.
Clean the Car, Inside and Out
There is nothing like a good spring cleaning. After the winter months, a detailed wash and wax is the most important thing to do. Do a thorough cleaning, including the engine bay and beneath the car, to get rid of this accumulated dirt, and don’t forget to disinfect the car’s interior. We recommend using an antibacterial cleaner or wipes instead of bleach-based cleaners which could cause fading or cracking of some soft-touch or painted surfaces over time.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades
As spring starts and temperatures warm up, check your wiper blades for any signs of cracking or wear. Experts recommend changing the blades every six months to a year, depending on use and weather.
Check the Engine Oil
The easiest task to increase the life of your engine is to maintain the proper amount of oil in the engine and change the oil and filter at the intervals recommended in your car’s owner’s manual. Oil lubricates the engine parts. Second, oil is a fluid that disperses heat. Some of the oil is burned off by the engine so it needs to be replenished when the level drops. Make sure it is the proper weight oil for your engine. An engine runs much hotter with less oil in it and the hotter it runs the more strain, stress that is put on the engine parts.
Check Engine and Cabin Air Filters
A dirty air filter can reduce miles per gallon, hurt engine performance and contribute to higher engine emissions. Cabin air filters are engineered to catch many things, including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, soot, and smog. They keep the air that you breathe inside the car clean.
Check Power Steering Fluid
Older vehicles and some new models have a hydraulic power steering pump that is lubricated by power steering fluid. If the pump runs dry, it can fail and require a costly replacement. Some symptoms of a power steering problem are squealing noises when turning the steering wheel or heavy or stiff steering. Newer vehicles have electric power steering (no fluids).
Radiator coolant flush
Radiator coolant has rust inhibitor chemicals that break down over time. Rust and corrosion can build up and harm an engine, plug the thermostat, and/or damage the water pump. Automakers recommend a coolant change every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
Check Brake Fluid
The brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks in the fluid reservoir. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades its effectiveness in providing stopping power. Check your fluid level and have your brake fluid tested and replaced as required.
Transmission fluid replacement
Transmission fluid deteriorates over time and frequent stop-and-go driving or pulling a trailer increases transmission operating temperature, putting a strain on the transmission’s components and the fluid and accelerates deterioration. Check the fluid level when the engine is running and if you notice that the color of the transmission fluid is dark or has a burnt smell this could indicate it’s time for it to be changed or that the transmission is developing mechanical issues.
Timing Belt Replacement
Your engine has either a rubber composite timing belt or timing chain. If your car has a timing belt, follow the owner’s manual to determine when the belt should be replaced. “Rubber belts break and when they do that’s the end of the engine. The timing belt should be replaced at intervals recommended by the automaker, typically between 50,000 and 110,000 miles.
Rotate Tires
To have your tires last and operate at their optimum, have them checked and rotated per the tire manufacturer’s guidelines. Just as important is maintaining the proper air pressure and checking the alignment to ensure peak performance and gas mileage.
About Angels Transmission and Auto Repair
At Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair, honesty, integrity, and the quality of our work has been the foundation of our success. Our top priority is to provide you with high-quality service every time we work on your vehicle. To help keep you safe while you drive, and to keep you from overspending in the future. Your complete satisfaction will always be our main concern.
Angel’s Transmission and Auto Repair has been serving clients in Mission Viejo and nearby communities for almost three decades. Our technicians are continuously training to stay updated on the latest information and technology. The skilled and certified technicians average 20 years of experience in the Automotive Repair Industry.
Call us today at (949) 587-9060 for an appointment or fill out our contact form and let us help you with transmission repair services or general auto repair.
