How many times do you walk outside, quickly unlock your door, sit down, start your car and proceed to drive without ever checking some basics on your car? I know, the car was absolutely fine when you parked it last night… or so you thought! Some issues, like an oil leak or a flat tire, can appear quickly and leave you stuck on the side of the road.
What about when your car has been sitting for a week while on vacation? Have you done a quick safety check or do you once again jump right in without any regard to the condition of your vehicle?
Get in the habit of checking these 4 basic things before starting your commute. This will not only help maintain your vehicle, protect your investment, and keep you safe, but a quick check can also preventsmall issues from causing bigger problems and expensive repairs.
- Test lamps and bulbs. A burntout bulb can get you pulled over and, depending on the officers mood, a costly ticket! Brake lights, headlights, parking lights, signal lights – these are all important to help you see and help other drivers see you. You may need to grab a friend or check in a dark garage solo in the morning.
- Tire Pressure. An obviously low tire can be visibly seen, but slightly deflated tires can worsen your traction, lower your gas mileage and raise your risk of a blow out on the highway. You can buy a tire pressure gauge for about $2 or swing by a gas station to check with their air machine. We also do this with all our oil changes – stop by anytime, we’re happy to check your tire pressure for you so you can stay safe on the roads.
- Fluid Check. The most common fluid drivers think of is motor oil. Oil is definitely important and easy to check, but so are the other fluids under the hood. Double check your antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and even windshield washer fluid! Consult your owner’s manual or stop by our shop, and our certified technicians will show you how to check the most vital fluids.
- First Aid Kit and Basic Tools. Do you have a first aid kit in your car? You should carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries because you never know when you will need one! Also keep a set of jumper cables, flashlight, and a small jack and lug nut set in case of a flat tire. Putting together a basic emergency kit will help you be prepared in an emergency – whether it’s your vehicle or a friend on the road.
Building this quick check into your routine, whether it’s once a week or once a month, can keep you and your vehicle safe on the roads. At Dub’s Garage, our ASE Certified technicians can teach you how to check your fluid, tire pressure and lamps. Just let us know when you come in for your next oil change or safety inspection, and we’ll review these key systems with you in your vehicle! Call us at 361.444.1355 or visit our auto shop in Corpus Christi.