Be smart about vehicle maintenance.

Overlooking the three repair bays in the
Relax & Learn Waiting Room

For most people, their car or truck is a vital link to your everyday life – in short, they need it every day. Here are some easy ways to help keep it running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

Tires
Your vehicle’s tires are the direct connection between you and the road. If they fail, so will your car. Keeping your tires in the best condition possible is easy. Follow the steps below to get the full life out of your tires, and ride safer, too.

The tires that came with your vehicle were designed and selected for its use. When it’s time to replace them, be sure to choose tires that are the same size and grade. You can find the size and grade in your new vehicle information. Remember, tires on a new car are supplied by and under warranty with another manufacturer.

Under normal driving conditions, a set of tires should last about 50,000 miles – provided that you maintain them correctly. The easiest and most obvious part of tire care is proper inflation. Your car’s handling is dependent on tires with the correct air pressure. Neglecting your tires is not only dangerous, you’ll also have to replace them sooner because of the uneven wear.


Tire Tips
Using a tire pressure gauge, check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Consult your original tire info for the correct pressure.

Tire pressure can be measured most accurately when tires are cool – after the vehicle has been parked for an hour or so.

Have the tires rotated according to the specs in your tire info. This can help extend the life of the tires.

Replace tires when they are worn. Tires are worn when the wear band is visible through the tire threads.


Batteries
The battery in your vehicle is perhaps the most overlooked component of all. It works time after time but can easily be forgotten, especially if your car has a maintenance-free battery (the type that should never need added water). To ensure proper operation of a maintenance-free type battery, keep the terminals clean and tightly fastened.
Always be certain the ignition switch is in the OFF position before cleaning or servicing your battery.

If you see any corrosion in the battery, remove the cables from the terminals (wear gloves – battery acid is nasty stuff and can damage your skin) and clean them with a wire brush.

To clean, apply a thick solution of baking soda and water to the affected areas on post and/or terminals to neutralize the acid. Let it bubble for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess.

Replace cables and tighten. Add a bit of grease to the top of each terminal for protection against future corrosion. If applicable, replace the battery cover.

Important:
Some preset engine control conditions (such as idle) may need to be reset if battery power is interrupted. Be certain to consult your vehicle owner’s guide for the correct procedure.


Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wipers play a key role in the safe navigation of your car or truck during inclement conditions. They should be inspected every six months, or when they seem to be performing poorly.
Sometimes they may just need a simple cleaning. Use undiluted windshield washer solvent or mild detergent to clean the blades and windshield thoroughly. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.

To replace blades:
• Turn on wipers. Switch ignition key off when wipers reach vertical position.

• Lift wiper arm away from windshield until it locks into service position.

• Turn blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Release blade by depressing the locking pin with a screwdriver. Pull the wiper blade downwards (toward the windshield) to detach it from the arm.

• Attach the new blade to the wiper arm by pressing it into place. (You will hear a click.)