Service Director, Art Harding, in our Beaver Falls locations offers these
"Top Five" suggestions for Spring Cleaning your vehicle
- Check Your Fluids -Get this one out of the way first. Did you use a lot of washer fluid this season? And how is your oil level? To check these levels, go under the hood when the vehicle's engine is off and cool, and when your vehicle is parked on level ground. For the oil, remove the oil dipstick and wipe it off with a rag. You'll see markings for "full" or "add". Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again and read the level. Make sure you don't overfill either the oil or the washer fluid.
- Check Your Filters - If your engine's air filter is dirty, it can reduce your gas mileage and increase emissions - a "lose/lose" situation! When you check your engine's air filter, you should be able to see bright light through it, such as sunlight. Don't forget the cabin air filter too - When your cabin air filter is clean, it will increase the air quality in your vehicle, the ventilation functionality in your HVAC system, which is especially important if you or your passengers are allergy sufferers. Note: This is a fairly easy task for the "do it yourself-er" - For others who don't feel comfortable opening up the hood, we offer filter checks for free. Just let us know if you need help or would like us to show you where to find these filters.
- Trim, Wheels and Tires - Inspect your tires for any tread issues, and have the alignment checked by a technician especially before a long road trip. Your wheels and trim also need attention - After driving on roads that have been treated throughout the winter, it's a good idea to clean the tires with mild soap and water and dry them with a soft cloth. Make sure you don't use an abrasive cleaner on the chrome!
- The Underbody - Even with a mild winter like Western Pennsylvania had, it's a good idea to clean the underbody of your vehicle from any mud or debris that might have collected over the winter months. You can avoid corrosion and rust on the underbody by cleaning out the dirt from the frame with plain water. If reaching this area is too difficult a task, we can help you at the dealership with our underbody washing system.
- Belts and Battery - Belts and hoses can be a bit more tricky to check. Having them in good working order will help keep your engine operating at peak performance. We recommend professional belt inspection 1x/month, and/or before a long road trip. While you're in for a belt check, if you can't remember the last time your battery was checked, take the time for the evaluation. With the electronic and technology features in recent model vehicles, the battery plays a very important role in keeping the vehicle's components and sensors functioning well. This is a 1x/year check-up.
On a final note - As we get more sunny days, you might feel the urge to wash your car in the driveway - Or even put the whole family to work. A few tips on this - You don't want to use any cleaners with harsh solvents - This includes dish soap or glass cleaners. Your best bet is to have some commercial car wash on hand. (This is available at our dealership, as well as most home improvement stores.)
If you'd like help with any of these items, please contact us at our Service Departments. We also have hours on Saturdays and have 30-minute Quick Lubes available. We will also provide you a complimentary hand-wash of your vehicle with any Service appointment. -- A real treat (or gift) is a full vehicle detail, which will make your current vehicle feel like new again. Let us know how we can help!
Happy Spring and Safe Travels!
Art Harding
Service Director - Morrow Ford and Morrow Chevrolet Kia, Beaver Falls, PA
724.843.1000 or aharding@ronlewisautomotive.com
