What Does a General Car Service Include?

Most people have started their spring cleaning.  Don’t forget your automobile to make sure it is ready for the warm temperatures on the way.  Ask your car repair technician about what does a general car service include? It is vital to have a thorough inspection performed on all the systems and components of your vehicle so that you are driving as safe as possible.  

So what does a general car service include?  In addition to regular vehicle maintenance items, listed below are 8 common car service items:

• Car Battery-- Warm weather means high temperatures under the hood, accelerating corrosion inside the battery as well as water evaporating out of the battery.  You could end up with decreased battery capacity which means a weakened ability to start the engine, and a shorter battery life. The battery connections should be kept clean, tight and corrosion-free. Get your battery tested before heading out on a warm summer day.  A tired battery may want to be charged, or simply replaced.
• Windshield and Wiper Blades--Wiper blades normally start to lose their effectiveness in as little as 6 months. If there is streaking areas of glass, they should be replaced.  
• Lights--Inspect that all the lights are working and clean so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and that other drivers can see you coming.
• Oil-- Normally, a multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index can be used year round as it provides the best oil flow at either warm or cold temperatures.  If you frequently drive on dusty roads, change the oil and filter more frequently than normal.  Also, inspect the oil level frequently
• Radiator, Hoses and Belts--Have the radiator and hoses inspected for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable.  Ask your auto mechanic to inspect the coolant mixture in your radiator.  About every 2 years, flush your radiator and add new coolant.
• Tires--If you use snow or all-season tires, you may want to switch to summer tires which are made from a special rubber softer in consistency than snow or all-season tires. These tires will increase vehicle performance, but they are more costly and want to be replaced more frequently than other types of tires.  
• Keep your tires correctly inflated--Inspect inflation pressure every month.  Under-inflated tires generate more heat due to excessive sidewall flexing, adversely affecting handling and fuel economy, plus wearing out the tire faster.
• Brakes--If you feel any vibration, hear squealing, or the brake pedal feels “soft,” have your brakes checked and repaired as soon as possible for better stopping performance.

Need to find quality car repair?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about what does a general car service include and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.