San Pedro Auto Repair: Back to School Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance can be the difference between your vehicle lasting five years or fifteen years. It can also be the difference between you and your family being safe or in a dangerous situation.

Here are 10 back to school vehicle maintenance tips from your San Pedro auto repair center to help you be proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance:

• Engine: Remember to have your oil changed based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and type of oil (synthetic or synthetic blend) to protect vital engine parts. You can extend the life of your car by several years by simple engine maintenance, so bring your car to the San Pedro auto repair and maintenance experts to get an oil change, tune-up, and a free 40-point inspection of all of your car’s systems.

• Fluids: In addition to oil, it’s important to make sure other fluids like transmission and power steering fluid maintain their proper levels. If you find yourself constantly running low on any of your car’s fluids, it’s time for an inspection by the San Pedro auto repair specialists to prevent damage.

• Tires: Your tires have more of an effect on your car’s general health than you might think. Low tire inflation negatively affects fuel consumption, wears out the tread much faster, and can even cause a dangerous blowout if ignored. Make sure you have the San Pedro auto repair pros rotate your tires every 5,000 miles to increase their longevity.

• Filters: Pay special attention to the fuel and water filters to avoid system clogs. The PCV valve should also be inspected for any wear. If you need help finding and/or replacing filters and the PCV valve, the San Pedro auto repair center is always an excellent resource.

• Gas: An often overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance is using the wrong type of gasoline. Check the manual and always use the recommended gasoline to enjoy the best performance out of your car.

• Belts: Belts themselves are inexpensive, but they can cause costly damage to a number of your car’s systems if they’re allowed to wear-out and break. It’s difficult to assess the wear and tear of many belts on your own, but they will all be checked during your free 40-point inspection with the premier San Pedro auto repair center.

• Brakes: If you hear squealing, a high-pitched sound, or a grinding sound when you hit your brakes, it’s time to take your car to the San Pedro auto repair and maintenance experts to replace your brakes. Brake technicians will inspect your brake system to see whether your brake pads need to be replaced or, if it’s a more serious problem, whether your rotors need to be replaced as well.

• Electrical system: Protect one of the critical aspects of your electrical system by regularly checking and cleaning any build-up of corrosion on the battery posts, and test the battery for the amount of charge and life remaining. Remember that most car batteries last three to five years.

• Warning lights: If you have a Check Engine Light on (there are many and can’t be missed when they light up on your dashboard), don’t ignore the problem! It can turn into a very costly issue if you wait to have the experts at the San Pedro auto repair center perform a comprehensive inspection.

• Exterior lights: Once or twice a month you should make sure your brake lights, signals, and headlights are operating properly. It’s no secret that exterior light failure can be dangerous to you, your family, and everyone else on the road.

If you’re experiencing any of these common issues or you’re unsure of how to keep up with the regular maintenance of any part of your car, just visit the San Pedro auto repair center at www.ParkPlazaAutomotive.com or call 310.831.2888 to make an appointment today.