Give Your Indiana Buy Here Pay Here Car a Post-Winter Car Tune-Up

Start Planning Car Care Now, So You're Ready to Hit the Road When the Weather Starts Warming Up

Harsh winter weather can take a serious toll on your car, so it's more important than ever to give it the care and attention it deserves once the season ends. As spring starts to peak around the corner, plan a post-winter car tune-up to ensure your ride runs smoothly throughout the year.

An important reason to get a post-winter tune-up for your buy here pay here car is to fix any issues that may have come up during the colder months. The low temperatures, road salt, and icy conditions can cause wear and tear on parts of your vehicle, including the brakes, tires, and battery. By having a thorough inspection and maintenance performed after winter, you can stop any potential problems before they become major issues.

A post-winter car tune-up ensures your safety on the road, but also helps your car last longer and saves you the cost of repairs later. When you get a car from a buy here pay here dealership, you'll want to take care of your investment. Spend time and effort on these maintenance tasks, and you're investing in the future of your vehicle!

Prioritize Exterior Care and Tires for Your Car Tune-Up

Winter's residue can wreak havoc on your car's exterior. Start by thoroughly washing the car to remove salt, grime, and debris that can cause rust. Pay attention to the undercarriage and wheel wells where salt accumulates the most.

It's also important to check your tires after a harsh winter. The extreme cold temperatures and icy conditions of winter can cause tire wear and tear. Check the tread depth and look for any signs of damage. Properly inflated tires are also essential for winter car safety, so make sure they are filled to the recommended pressure. Rotate your tires and consider a realignment if necessary.

Inspect the Brakes During Your Car Tune-Up

Check the brake pads and rotors for wear and tear. Winter driving can accelerate brake deterioration due to the icy and slippery roads. Ensure that your brakes are in good condition for safe driving. Look for any signs of wear, such as squeaking or grinding noises, and ensure that your brake pads and rotors are in good condition.

Don't Forget to Check Your Fluids

Inspect all essential fluids: engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top off or replace fluids as needed. Low fluid levels can lead to poor vehicle performance or even damage.

Get a Battery Inspection

Cold weather can strain your car's battery. Test its charge and clean any corrosion from the terminals. If your battery is several years old, consider replacing it to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Have a Professional Perform an Engine Check

Make sure to get your vehicle's engine checked out after a brutal winter. Look for any cracked hoses, leaks, or worn-out belts. Check the air filter and replace it if it's dirty, as a dirty filter can affect how well your vehicle runs.

Take Care of Your HVAC System

Ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are functioning correctly. Winter can strain these systems, and a malfunction can make your driving experience uncomfortable.

Upgrade Your Lights and Windshield Wipers

Check all lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights, ensuring they are working correctly. Replace any bulbs that have burnt out or relays that are no longer working. Additionally, inspect windshield wiper blades for wear and tear, and replace them if needed. If your current wiper blades are streaking or making noise, then you know it's definitely time for new ones.

Stay On Top Of Scheduled Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, which you can find online or in your owner's manual.

If your buy here pay here car is due for an oil change, filter replacements, or any other service, now is an excellent time to catch up and ensure everything is up-to-date.

Is It Time for Your Post-Winter Car Tune-Up?

Remember, keep an eye on any warning lights on your dashboard and consider a professional mechanic's inspection for a full assessment of your car's condition. Keeping a detailed record of maintenance for your vehicle can be helpful for future reference or resale to a buy here pay here in Indiana.

Taking these winter car safety steps will not only keep your car running smoothly but also extend its life and maintain its value. Post-winter care is essential for any vehicle, especially those from buy here pay here dealerships. Give your car the attention it deserves, and it will reward you with reliability and performance for many more miles to come!

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!