With warmer weather around the corner, we all know that car care and maintenance will be on our To Do Lists soon. However, a lot of people dread this time of year because they've been slacking on off on their car care through the winter. So, here are some tips that we're sharing from Chrysler Capital that you can use to keep your cars clean, healthy, and happy all year long! Plus, following these tips will help to lessen the amount of work that you have to put into your car!
1. No Pressure: Make sure to check your tire pressure every month. Less air in the tire causes more contact with the road, which will not only wear the tire faster, but you’ll use more gas as well.
2. Squeaky clean: Keeping your dash, doors and seats clean and moisturized will help make them last longer. Make sure to condition about four times each year.
3. Rain-proofing the windshield: Change your windshield wiper blades every three or four months for optimum visibility during rain. It’s a good idea to keep a spare set in the trunk.
4. Lighten your keychain: If your car key shares a chain with a dozen other keys, it can turn into a hefty load hanging from your ignition. All that weight could cause tumblers in the ignition to wear out, which could eventually cause ignition failure.
5. Wax on, wax off. Paint care is simple: It’s true, waxing a vehicle is a lot of work, but it’s work that will help maintain your car’s paint job and keep it looking brand new for years. Waxing protects that paint and reduces oxidation.
6. Wheel alignment benefits: Get your wheel alignment looked at every 30,000 miles. Poor alignment can decrease the life of your tires. An adjusted alignment will also improve handling.
7. Clean it up Keep your vehicle clean by getting frequent washes. This will protect your car’s body from damaging air pollutants, salt, tar, bugs and dirt.
8. Find the shade: You can better protect your car’s interior plastic and vinyl from drying out by simply parking in the shade. Also try applying a UV protectant spray to these interior surfaces.
9. Wash the underbody: You can clean the undercarriage yourself using a regular water hose at home. Road salt can begin to stick to the bottom of your car and eat away at the metal.
10. An FYI for new drivers!: We recommend you ask your just-passed-their-test son or daughter to read all our tips! Take care of your car to prolong its life, and safe driving!