Best Car Care Tips for Drivers in Augusta, GA

Whether your car is brand new or six years old, how well you take care of it can directly impact how long it lasts. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule can help you avoid costly repairs. Take a look at these general car care tips that can help you keep your car running for longer.

Car Maintenance 

1. Be sure to change your oil at least every 3,000 miles for regular, or 5,000 miles for synthetic. Always make sure to use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Did you know by doing this, you can improve your car’s gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent?!
2. Check your antifreeze fluid every 30,000 miles: If you do not have it during the summer your car can overheat, likewise during the winter it can freeze.
3. Check your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles as well.
4. Also, every 30,000 miles change your brake fluid.
5. Change your air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).
6. Replace your fuel filter about every 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first).
7. Check water in the battery every season.
8. Be sure to schedule a maintenance check at least every 15, 30, 60 and 90,000 or as suggested by your owner’s manual.

Tire Maintenance

1. Check your tire pressure at least once a week. The correct tire pressure can not only help your tires last longer, but it can also directly affect your fuel efficiency, handling and comfort. Always check when the tires are cold, so either before you drive in the morning, or at least 3 hours after driving.
2. Always make sure your tires are properly aligned. Bad alignment can cause dragging. Uneven tire wear — usually, more wear on the outside of the tires — is a prime indicator that your car is most likely out of alignment.
3. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or every 6 months.
4. Check your spare on a regular basis; at least once a month. Be sure to keep it properly inflated so it is ready to go if you need it.
5. Keep an eye on your tread. Use the penny trick to see if your tread is getting too low. Simply take a penny and put Abe’s head into one of the grooves of the tread. If his head is covered by the tread, you are good to go. If you can see all of his head, it is time to replace the tire. Most often, when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch, your tire must be replaced.

Keep in mind these are general maintenance tips for your car. All cars will require regular maintenance at different times. Always refer to your owner’s manual for exact scheduling. Remember as long as you take care of your car, your car will take care of you.

Thomson Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM wants you know that they have a full Mopar-affiliated Parts and Service Department that is ready and willing to help you at every step in this process.  Feel free to make an appointment today where a certified technician will walk through all aspects of your vehicle to ensure quality.