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

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.