SIMPLE, DO-IT-YOURSELF AUTO CARE

We at Osceola Garage believe it's important to keep our customers informed about the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Follow these simple steps to help ensure top performance, avoid costly repairs, save money, and ultimately encourage vehicle longevity:

Check all lights to ensure proper working condition.

It's important that you're able to see and be seen on the road whether it's day or night. Regularly check the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure that they are in proper working order, and promptly replace any burned-out bulbs. Though it may seem like a no-brainer, this is one of the easiest steps that you can take to prevent a traffic ticket or even an accident.

Check tire pressures.

Ideally, you should check tire pressures once a week with an air pressure gauge. Aligned, balanced, and properly inflated tires can provide a smoother ride, which in turn can save gas. Additionally, you don't want to get stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire. Slow leaks can be caught by regular pressure checks and repaired to prevent future issues.

Inspect the tire tread for abnormal wear.

Tires are one of the most expensive, most often replaced, and most neglected parts on a vehicle. Every so often, examine your tire treads. If you discover any signs of abnormal or excessive wear, have your tires inspected by the car care professionals at Osceola Garage. Properly aligned and balanced tires last longer, ride better and are critical to steering and braking.

Change the oil, filter, and keep the chassis well-lubricated.

Vehicle owners should aim to change the oil and filter as well as lubricate the chassis as recommended by their vehicle manufacturers, usually every 3,000-5,000 miles (about every 3-6 months), to ensure long engine life and optimal performance.

SMART TIP:        Keep a notebook and log the date of each maintenance procedure taken by either yourself or your auto care professional. This will ensure timely maintenance and dually serve as a record for the history of care your vehicle has received.

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.