How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
If you’re searching for car maintenance services near Ruidoso, NM to help extend the life of your vehicle, come visit us at Sierra Blanca Motors, your local New Mexico RAM dealer!
Is your vehicle in good shape? Your car is only going to be as good to you as you are to it. Purchasing a vehicle is a major investment, and the key to protecting your investment and ensuring that you get several years out of it is proper maintenance. Regularly servicing your vehicle and taking care of routine tasks can significantly extend the life of your vehicle. Continue reading for some of the most important factors.
Change The Oil
When’s the last time you had your oil changed? One thing most of us know is that the engine is at the heart of an automobile’s performance. The engine is composed of several moving components that tend to cause friction and generate lots of heat as they keep your car moving.
Regular oil changes ensure that all of the engine’s parts are properly lubricated, which also decreases the amount of heat it produces. Also, oil changes remove excess dirt, debris, and sludge from the engine, which can reduce its performance. Neglecting oil changes can cause the engine to seize or a blown head gasket, resulting in a hefty car repair bill.
Most modern vehicles are equipped with systems that let the driver know when it’s time to change the oil. It’s a good idea to have your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your vehicle.
Use The Cruise Control
Cruise control technology is a system that regulates the speed of your vehicle and eliminates the need for you to keep your foot on the gas pedal. This system was designed to help driver fatigue when driving for long distances.
When activated, cruise control can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency up to 15%. It’s also a great way to maintain a safe speed limit, which prevents accidents when you are driving.
Monitor The Tires
Did you know that driving on tires that aren’t properly inflated can eventually cause them to wear faster and go flat? We recommend that you check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Besides preventing tire blowouts, regularly monitoring your car tires can help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. When the tires are underinflated, the engine has to work harder to turn them, increasing fuel consumption. Regular tire maintenance also improves the overall handling of your vehicle.
Check The Fluid Levels
Regularly checking your car’s fluid levels is one of the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle. You should check the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid every so often to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Why is it important to check each of these fluids? Coolant helps prevent the engine from overheating in the summer and freezing during the winter. Brake fluid is responsible for keeping the brake pads connecting to the pedal to increase your car’s stopping power. Transmission fluid lubricates and reduces the heat generated by components of the transmission. Power steering fluid allows for the maneuverability of the steering wheel, and the windshield wiper fluid keeps your windshield clean so that you can see clearly.
While every vehicle is different, we recommend that you check your fluid levels every 2,000 to 3,000 miles.
Get The Brakes Checked
The brakes are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. Regular brake inspections are crucial for safety reasons. Over time, the brake pads, rotors, and other parts of your braking system become worn.
When those parts start to wear down, it will eventually affect your vehicle’s stopping power. Ideally, you should have your brakes checked every six months. Most drivers have their brakes inspected when they get their tires rotated.
Sierra Blanca Motors | Your Local Car Maintenance Dealership | Ruidoso, NM
Here at Sierra Blanca Motors, we can help extend the life of your vehicle by keeping up with maintenance procedures. Our experts have over 50 years of experience in performing oil changes, tire pressure and fluid level checks, and thorough brake inspections. Contact us today at 575-315-0145.
