5 SINS OF CAR MAINTENANCE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Chloe's Automotive Repair • February 10, 2021

5 SINS OF CAR MAINTENANCE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Chloe's Automotive Repair • February 10, 2021

We rely on our vehicles in all parts of our lives. From commuting to work to dropping the kids off at school to picking up groceries at the local market, we need transportation. But unfortunately, we take our cars for granted until we no longer have access to them. Enter the dreaded sins of car maintenance. Or better yet, the lack thereof. When you ignore these essential tasks, they can become pure evil. Not just for your checkbook, but for your safety as well. Avoid these dastardly oversights and keep your car running smooth.



Ignoring warning lights

For many, the first warning light that comes to mind is the check engine notification. By now, most of us know we shouldn’t disregard this vital warning light. However, the warning light roster doesn’t stop at check engine. Regardless of if it’s the engine temperature, oil pressure, or the low tire pressure light, take notice. The best way to avoid trouble is to make an appointment with a respected mechanic as soon as the light illuminates.


Not changing your car’s oil

You’re probably a busy professional with family obligations and more tasks to complete than you can count. It’s still not an excuse to put off an oil change. There may not be a more impactful car maintenance activity than an oil change. Relatively inexpensive to perform, not changing your oil can become a costly fix down the road. The remedy? Follow your car manufacturer’s guidelines for oil changes.


What air filter?

Sometimes it seems like a maintenance throw-in, but it’s not. Primarily, an air filter helps reduce pollutants from entering your car’s cabin. Unfortunately, an old filter not only fails at its primary job function, but it also can lead to an expensive fix. A clogged-up air filter can harm your AC unit, which isn’t a cheap repair. The solution? Follow your car manufacturers’ air filter replacement schedule: usually 12 months or 12,000 miles.


Squeaky brakes

Squeaking is not part of a brake system's regular function. If it sounds like your brake pads are trying to hit a high note, don't waste a moment. Make an appointment with a garage and have your brake pads inspected. It’s not a cheap fix, but beyond money, allowing your brakes to degrade beyond their life is a safety issue. Never take chances with your brake system.


Not rotating your tires

Tires wear differently depending on their location. If you leave your tires in the same location on your car, the high wear areas will shorten their lifetime. The fix is easy, rotate your tires. Tire rotation is a little involved for a DIY project, so once again, go to your local garage. Try to have your tires rotated around every 3000 to 5000 miles.

Now that you know the five sins of car maintenance, and how to avoid them, one last piece of advice. If you want to truly keep those maintenance misdeeds at bay, contact us. We will make sure your car stays maintenance sin-free.

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Understanding Your Car’s TPMS System: Why It Matters for Safety and Fuel Economy The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an essential feature in modern vehicles, designed to keep you safe and optimize your vehicle's performance. This system helps monitor air pressure in your tires and alerts you if they become underinflated, ensuring proper tire health, better fuel economy, and peace of mind on the road. What Does TPMS Mean? TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a technology that tracks your tire pressures in real time. If one or more tires have low air pressure, the TPMS light or a warning light will illuminate on your dashboard. This feature plays a critical role in maintaining proper tire health, which directly affects your vehicle's performance and safety. Why Is Checking Tire Pressure Important? Properly inflated tires are key to: Fuel Economy: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, causing your car to use more fuel. By maintaining the correct air pressure, you can maximize your vehicle’s efficiency and save on gas. Safety: Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, reduced traction, and increased risk of blowouts. Tire Longevity: Proper air pressure ensures even wear and extends the life of your tires. How Does TPMS Work? There are two main types of TPMS: Direct TPMS: Sensors in each tire monitor air pressure and send data to your vehicle’s system. Indirect TPMS: This system uses wheel speed sensors to estimate air pressure based on tire rotation. Both types ensure that if your tire pressure drops below the recommended level, you’ll be alerted by the TPMS light or service tire monitor system message. What Should You Do When the TPMS Warning Light Comes On? Check Your Tire Pressures: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure in all tires. Compare these readings to the recommended levels in your vehicle’s owner manual or the sticker inside your driver-side door. Inflate Your Tires: Adjust the pressure to the recommended level for optimal performance. Inspect for Damage : Look for signs of punctures, leaks, or other damage. Visit a Professional: If the warning light remains on, bring your car to a certified technician. At Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire, we can inspect your service tire monitor system, replace faulty sensors, and reset the system to ensure accurate monitoring. How Does Proper Tire Pressure Impact Fuel Economy? Even a small drop in tire pressure can lead to increased rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder to move your vehicle. This not only burns more fuel but also contributes to unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. Keeping your tires at the proper air pressure can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 3%, saving you money at the pump. The Role of TPMS in Preventive Maintenance A functioning TPMS system is your first line of defense against underinflated tires. Regularly maintaining your tires and monitoring the TPMS warning light helps you avoid costly repairs, enhances safety, and contributes to a smoother driving experience. Trust Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire for All Your TPMS Needs At Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire, we understand the importance of tire maintenance and vehicle safety. If your TPMS light is on or you need help checking your service tire monitor system, our team of expert technicians is here to help. We’ll ensure your tires are properly inflated, inspect for any issues, and reset your system to get you back on the road safely.
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