September is an ideal time to catch up on car care essentials to keep your vehicle safe on the road. Whether you’re studying at a local Central Florida college, hop on I4 to go to a job in Orlando, and everywhere in between, we’ve got four essential car care tips to help keep your car in tip-top shape.
- Seatbelts. It’s not just a law, it’s safety. By wearing a properly fitted seatbelt you can save thousands of lives each year. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid serious injury in any car accident. Airbags alone won’t protect you. Ensure your seatbelt is tightly secured across the pelvis and rib cage.
- Top off fluids. Yes, this means regular oil changes, but it also means checking on all the other fluids your car needs — where possible. This includes brakes, coolant, transmission and more. Clean fluids ensure your engine stays running smoothly. Dirty fluids can cause damage over time. Even your windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped off to ensure you have good visibility in poor weather, we all know how Florida storms area… one minute all sunshine and the next a torrential downpour. Wiper blades will also need regular replacement too, usually every six to twelve months.
- Inspect your brakes. Worn brakes will hinder your ability to stop quickly and can cause your car to travel farther than before thus making it more likely you’ll find yourself in an accident. To avoid this, have a professional mechanic check your vehicle’s brakes regularly, preferably as part of a routine maintenance such as your regular oil changes.
- Keep your battery charged. There’s nothing worse than coming out of a long day of work or school to find your car won’t start. If your car is sluggish to start or if the dashboard lights or radio are flickering, it may be a sign you need a new battery. In Florida, batteries only last an average of three to four years, so if yours is near that point, it’s probably time for a new one. A mobile mechanic can test your battery during routine maintenance and oil changes.
By performing just these four maintenance items and scheduling any additional maintenance with a professional mobile mechanic in Central Florida, you can save time and money as you hit the roads for the rest of the year. Remember, Kraken Automotive is always here to help with your car care needs, after-hours. Contact us anytime at 352-234-6872.
