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Simple Repair Tips To Keep Your
Vehicle Operating Safely
According to the Vehicle Maintenance Council four out
of five cars need maintenance, such as the items
listed below. Is your car one of them? If so, don't wait too long to get it repaired. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones could depend on it!
- Worn Brake Parts - Postponing needed brake repairs, in addition to being a safety hazard, can escalate the cost of a brake system repair.
If your brakes squeak, grind, pulsate or if the pedal is too low get the brakes out checked right away! Neglecting these brake symptoms is like playing Russian Roulette!
- Worn Windshield Wiper Blades - Don't wait for a rainy day, or worse, a snowy day to replace worn blades. You'll love the difference new blades make.
- Burned Out Light Bulbs - Can you see and be seen? Check all your lights regularly to be sure none of them are burned out. Besides, a burned out light is like displaying an invitation for the police to pull you over!
- Clogged & Dirty Filters - Scheduled replacement of air, oil, gas, fuel, transmission and other filters extend a car's life and improve performance and fuel efficiency. This is a "no brainer!"
- Worn Spark Plugs - Worn plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions. They also cause the engine to run poorly.
- Corroded Battery Cables - Corroded cables and a weak battery cause starting trouble. Have your battery and your charging system checked if the engine turns over slowly. Don't wait until you get stuck in the middle of nowhere on a dark night, or in the middle of a snowstorm!
- Glazed & Cracked Belts and Rotted Hoses - A slipping belt can affect engine cooling, the alternator's efficiency, your power steering, and your air conditioner. Replace worn belts & hoses before they let you down. If your belt breaks or a hose springs a leak your car will be out of commission on the spot!
Brittle or rotten cooling system hoses can lead to overheating. Others, such as vacuum and power steering hoses, hinder performance and safety.
- Neglected Cooling System - Periodic servicing of the cooling system helps prevent deterioration of the radiator or heater core. It's no fun when your car overheats!
- Leaking Shock Absorbers & Struts - Worn shocks or struts affect ride control and shorten tire life.
- Damaged CV Joint Boots - These rubber boots protect the critical CV joints that deliver power to your wheels. They should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
- Leaking Exhaust System - Have your car put on a lift occasionally to check the muffler and other parts of the exhaust system. Besides being noisy, a leaking exhaust can cause carbon monoxide gases to enter the passenger compartment of your car.
- Worn Tires - Worn tires are dangerous. Proper inflation, alignment and balance will extend tire life, keep you safe and save you money.
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