Keep your car clean and in good condition to maximize its resale value. Expert collision repair and preventative auto maintenance can help your vehicle last longer.
Learn how the experienced team can help you preserve your car’s resale value through high-quality repairs and exceptional customer service.
Keep Your Tires in Good Condition
Tires are one of the most critical components of your vehicle, contributing to safety, handling, and ride quality. Keeping them in good condition will help extend their life and save you money in the long run.
After you have done with collision repair in Shoreline, WA, always check your tire pressure regularly – at least once a month and before driving. Also, check them when the car is excellent, as temperatures affect tire pressure.
An under-inflated tire can generate excessive heat, leading to rapid and dangerous tire wear and even a blowout. Uneven tread wear, which could indicate a misalignment or internal tire damage, can cause vibrations and steering problems that may lead to an accident.
Regular inspections of your tires should include looking for bulges or blisters on the sidewall, which are signs that they’re aging and should be replaced. You should also check the tire tread for uneven wear and other mechanical issues.
Change Your Oil
Oil is essential to your car’s performance, as it helps keep parts lubricated and prevents them from rubbing against each other. It also cools the engine and removes harmful particles. Without regular changes, your engine can suffer severe damage.
When you change your oil, use the type recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Also, don’t be fooled by “upsold” synthetic oils. Your owner’s manual should list what oil your car needs.
Before you start, make sure your safety equipment is nearby. Put on gloves and safety glasses. Locate the drain plug on your oil pan and position a catch pan underneath it. Remove the cap on your oil filler hole and drain the old oil. Be careful not to burn yourself while draining because the oil is hot. Be sure to wipe off the dipstick and refill it with fresh oil.
Also, check your power-steering fluid, as low levels can damage the pump and hoses.
Check Your Brakes
In modern cars, the brakes consist of calipers that squeeze pads against rotors to slow and stop the vehicle. A hydraulic system relies on a constant flow of brake fluid to function correctly. While the system is designed to last for years, several factors can affect how long it will operate without failing or causing damage.
If you notice your brakes are spongy or must press down harder on the pedal to achieve the same results, it’s time for an inspection. Other symptoms include a high-pitched squeal when you apply the brakes, indicating that the calipers are starting to wear thin and rub against the rotors.
A vibrating brake pedal can also signal an issue with the braking system. This could be due to warped rotors, which are often the result of stress from prolonged braking. A vibration can also be caused by a collapsed brake hose, which would cause different amounts of pressure to be applied to each wheel.
Keep Your Car Clean
Maintaining preventative auto maintenance and acting on the shakes, squeals, or smells that are clues that something may be wrong are intelligent ways to keep your vehicle in good working condition. Ignoring these indicators can lead to more costly repairs down the road.
Your vehicle’s interior can collect a lot of trash and debris, especially if you have children or pets. Vacuuming and lint rolling your seats and floor mats is essential, as is clearing out cup holders, which are usually the dirtiest spots in the car.
Avoiding commercial car washes following a collision repair for at least 30 days is a good idea, as the brushes can scratch new paint. Hand washing your vehicle using mild soap, a cloth made from soft fabric, and cool water is best for your vehicle’s appearance and longevity. Getting the full name, street address, and day and evening phone number of eyewitnesses is also essential if you are involved in a crash.
