For Seniors, The Age of Your Car is as Important as the Mileage

 

Many seniors may only put a few thousand miles per year on their cars, some even less.  Low mileage on your car can give you a false sense of security, when it comes to preventive vehicle maintenance. The fact is that time is equally important as the mileage is when determining needed maintenance.

Good mechanics will factor in both time and mileage and will recommend services based more on time than mileage in some circumstances.  For instance, under normal conditions the antifreeze may have a factory recommended interval service of 50,000 miles.  However, if you are driving a 2002 Toyota with 20,000 miles on the odometer, your mechanic may recommend flushing and replacing the antifreeze, more because of time than mileage.

Other items of concern due to time are tires, belts, hoses, filters, and other fluids.  Other components, such as the brake system can also be affected when a vehicle is not used often.  To insure your safety and the safety of others on the road, speak to you service professional about preventive maintenance. Remember, it’s not always the mileage, time is also a factor.

Remember Last Winter?

Is Your Car Ready?

Unless you spent last winter on a warm tropical island, the memory of last winter is a good lesson of just how cruel Mother Nature can be.  Before long, winter will once again be upon us.  As a result of last winter's harsh weather there was a significant increase of winter related car problems.  Many of these problems were due to lack of proper vehicle maintenance and may have been avoided.  Also, the cold, ice, snow, salt and wind can have damaging effects on your vehicle.

The Best insurance against a breakdown or a no start on a cold winter day is preventive maintenance.  And the best time to have your car checked out for the winter is now.  some of the more critical items to inspect are:  The battery, antifreeze, heater, hoses, belts, defroster, tires, fluids, wipers, lights, brakes, suspension and filters.  Also, ensure your car is up to date with all required maintenance services.

Snow Storms Brings Challenges

       

       Your Car Battery Can Fail Without Warning

Seniors Heading South for Winter

Tips on storing your car for the winter months

Many people head down south for warmer weather this time of the year and leave their cars behind. Storing your car properly for the winter is important to avoid issues when you return in the spring. Here are a few simple tips to help prepare your car for the duration.  

• Change the oil just prior to storage.
• Oil absorbs moisture and if old oil is left in the engine, moisture may evaporate out of the oil and condense on the engine internals causing corrosion. Also, oil becomes acidic with use and should be changed for this reason also. 
• Ideally you will want to keep your car in a garage, or at least in an enclosed area, protected from the elements.  Never park your car for extended periods over dirt, grass or gravel.
• Make sure your tire pressure is at least at the correct pressure. Some people add a few pounds extra due to possible loss of tire pressure over time.
• You should purchase a devise know has a Battery Tender. This will maintain the proper charge in the battery. Batteries will go dead within a month’s time without a charge. 
• Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the car’s exterior and paint. Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out.  Dirt, tree sap, salt, etc can be damaging to the exterior and paint.
• Fill the Gas Tank and add fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
• Check all the fluids, especially the antifreeze.
• Do not engage the parking brake. Having the parking brake engaged all winter may result in seized brake cables and other brake components.
• Check your State Inspection date, if it is due to expire when you are gone, you should probably have it taken care of before you leave.

A little preparation before you leave will save you a lot of grief when you return.

The Days are Getting Shorter and Colder. Get Your Car In Shape for the Months Ahead!

The Weather Is Now Changing, be prepared to meet the fall head on where auto safety and maintenance is concerned.

 The leaves have started to fall, and parents have sent their children back to school. Before the weather takes a turn for the worst Osceola Garage Auto Care would like to offer the following car maintenance tips to get vehicles ready for the damp, cold months ahead.

Take Your Vehicle For A Full Check Up

As the fall weather continues to roll in, it's important to have the following items checked by a professional: battery cables and terminals, belts and hoses, air filters, windshield wipers and all fluids, including anti-freeze, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, automatic transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid.





  Take A Good Look At Your Tires

Are there signs of uneven tread wear? That could indicate under-inflation, unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels. Remember to check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month and regularly inspect the tread depth. Your tread will be even more important during the autumn months when wet, dead leaves cover the roadways.

Take Care Of Your Lights And Turn Signals

Fall, along with less favorable weather, also means it's time to turn the clocks back for daylight savings. With a shorter day comes a longer night, so be sure your headlights, taillights and turn signals are in proper working order and shining at the appropriate levels.


Talk To Your Teenager

Have a teenager in the house? Worried about all the driving they will be doing during the fall? You can't teen-proof your neighborhood, but you can talk to your teen about safe driving before they head to school.  Osceola Garage has tips and resources for parents to help start a conversation with your teens about smart driving.   Stop by or call us to get a complete list of safety tips for your teenager.

Remember, not only can taking these small steps keep your vehicle running newer, longer, but they can also help keep you and your family safe on the road.