Did your vehicle survive summer's hot temperatures? Whether you realize it or not, the heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic of summer driving took a toll on your vehicle. You could be headed for an inconvenient breakdown during winter's cold temperatures that will soon be here. Now is the time to take care of basic auto repair services to lessen the odds of mechanical failure that may leave you stranded out in the cold.
Some auto repair services are fairly simple and can be taken care of by some vehicle owners themselves. However, the more complex services should be handled by certified auto repair technicians.
- Oil Changes – Change the oil and filter as specified in your owner's manual.
- Engine – Replace air filter, fuel filter, PCV, and etc., as recommended, especially if you did a lot of driving in dusty conditions throughout the summer. It is important to find a reliable auto repair shop to help you with other engine problems (such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.).
- Air Conditioning –Have the A/C thoroughly inspected by a certified technician to make sure it is operating properly, as it was probably in constant use through the summer.
- Cooling System – The cooling system also received a lot of wear through the summer to keep your vehicle from overheating. Again, have it inspected by a certified auto repair technician before winter gets here. A drain and flush should be performed about every other year.
- Windshield Wipers -- Replace worn blades and have lots of windshield washer fluid on hand before the rainy season arrives in full force.
- Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; clean dirt and insects from all lenses. You want to see and to be seen!
- Tires -- Check air pressure (before driving) at least once a month. Don't forget the spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition too. Examine tire tread for uneven wearing and cupping, and the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. A wheel alignment or balancing may be necessary if there's uneven wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side while driving. Rotate tires about every 5,000 miles.
- Brakes -- If you notice braking problems, such as pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance, have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Otherwise, follow the service schedule in your owner's manual.
- Battery – Clean any corrosion away from posts and cable connections and re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.
- Emergencies -- Carry basic car tools, including a first aid kit, blanket, snacks, water, flares, jack, and flashlight.
For quality auto repair services, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
Did your vehicle survive summer's hot temperatures? Whether you realize it or not, the heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic of summer driving took a toll on your vehicle. You could be headed for an inconvenient breakdown during winter's cold temperatures that will soon be here. Now is the time to take care of basic auto repair services to lessen the odds of mechanical failure that may leave you stranded out in the cold.
Some auto repair services are fairly simple and can be taken care of by some vehicle owners themselves. However, the more complex services should be handled by certified auto repair technicians.
- Oil Changes – Change the oil and filter as specified in your owner's manual.
- Engine – Replace air filter, fuel filter, PCV, and etc., as recommended, especially if you did a lot of driving in dusty conditions throughout the summer. It is important to find a reliable auto repair shop to help you with other engine problems (such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.).
- Air Conditioning –Have the A/C thoroughly inspected by a certified technician to make sure it is operating properly, as it was probably in constant use through the summer.
- Cooling System – The cooling system also received a lot of wear through the summer to keep your vehicle from overheating. Again, have it inspected by a certified auto repair technician before winter gets here. A drain and flush should be performed about every other year.
- Windshield Wipers -- Replace worn blades and have lots of windshield washer fluid on hand before the rainy season arrives in full force.
- Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; clean dirt and insects from all lenses. You want to see and to be seen!
- Tires -- Check air pressure (before driving) at least once a month. Don't forget the spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition too. Examine tire tread for uneven wearing and cupping, and the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. A wheel alignment or balancing may be necessary if there's uneven wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side while driving. Rotate tires about every 5,000 miles.
- Brakes -- If you notice braking problems, such as pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance, have the brakes inspected as soon as possible. Otherwise, follow the service schedule in your owner's manual.
- Battery – Clean any corrosion away from posts and cable connections and re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly.
- Emergencies -- Carry basic car tools, including a first aid kit, blanket, snacks, water, flares, jack, and flashlight.
For quality auto repair services, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go on-line at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
