How Are You Celebrating National Car Care Month?

May 1, 2019

Celebrate National Car Care Month

As part of its campaign to bring awareness to the importance of regular car maintenance, the Car Care Council has declared April to be National Car Care Month. So, what does that mean for you?

April is the start of spring in many regions, and the outdoors beckon after months of being cooped up. But before you go on road or day trips to your favorite spots, it’s essential that you look after any little fixes you may have put off. It’s not just a matter of vehicle performance – many times missed maintenance can affect your safety. In honor of National Car Care Month, here are five simple things you can do to keep your car in tip-top shape.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

As the weather starts to warm up, many places experience frequent rain. Wiper blades are vital when it comes to visibility in a storm – you don’t want to be caught in a shower and be unable to see the road.

Replacing your wiper blades is relatively easy. The rubber blades are usually locked in place by a simple tab, which you press to release. The new blades should slip smoothly into place and click when locked. If you have any difficulties, experts at your local auto parts shop can usually help.

Check Your Tires

Your tires play an integral part in both efficiency and safety. When checking your tires, there are two things you should look at: tread and pressure.

Even the best tires eventually lose their tread from miles of hitting the pavement. Tread plays an integral role in creating friction between your tires and the ground, giving you more control over your vehicle and preventing hydroplaning. If your treads are 2/32 inches or lower, it’s time to get a new set.

As for checking the air pressure in your tires, many auto shops will do so for free. Having adequate pressure helps shorten brake times and can even give you better gas mileage. If your tire pressure is consistently dropping, you may have a leak and need to replace your tires.

Check Your Alignment

Rough roads (like the ones you’ve been driving all winter) can do a number on your suspension. Misalignment can make steering much more difficult, potentially affecting your ability to control your vehicle and make split-second corrections.

Get an Oil Change

Most car owners are aware that they should be getting an oil change every 3,000-10,000 miles, depending on the age and make of the vehicle, but not everyone remembers. National Car Care Month is something you can mark on your calendar as a reminder that it’s time to get that taken care of.

Even if you don’t accumulate much mileage, you should still get your oil changed every six months or so. Oil gets dirty over time, and that dirt can affect the efficiency of your engine. In extreme cases, it can even lead to damage.

Check Your Brakes

Brakes go through a lot of wear and tear, especially if you spend a lot of time in “start-and-stop” traffic. As your brakes deteriorate, the amount of time it takes for your vehicle to come to a full stop increases, which can put you at risk of collision.

Do you own an import car and need audio servicing in Denver? Paddock Imports is an import shop dedicated to keeping your BMW, Audi, or other European-manufactured vehicle running smoothly. Contact us by calling 303-825-5700 or visiting us online.