October is a time of ghosts and spiderwebs, but the spookiness of the season shouldn’t extend to your vehicle. Most costly and dangerous car problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and routine inspections. So, save the scares for Halloween, and keep your car spook-free with car maintenance!
Tom’s Automotive in West Seattle offers comprehensive vehicle maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics for optimal performance and safe driving. Let’s talk about things to watch out for and how to keep your car safe.
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Going Bump in the Night: Check Your Suspension!
Things going bump in the night around your house is one thing, and certainly not our area of expertise. But if your vehicle has been bumpy, groaning, or rattling lately, we can fix that! Your suspension system is essential to a smooth ride and safe handling.
Shocks, struts, springs, and other suspension components absorb impacts from the road and keep your vehicle balanced. These parts can wear out over time, compromising your vehicle’s comfort, performance, and safety. Wheel alignment is also important for steering and suspension. If your vehicle is going bump in the night (or day) more than usual, it’s time for our technicians to perform an inspection and if necessary, research an exorcism!
Other Safety Checks to Avoid Scares That Make You Jump!
Your Halloween decorations can be scary, but let’s avoid scares in your vehicle. That means keeping an eye on the different components and taking warning signs seriously, especially for your vehicle’s most essential functions. Brakes, check engine lights, and fluid leaks are three scares to stay on top of.
Brakes
Of all the things to keep maintained in your vehicle, brakes should be near or at the top of the list. Don’t overlook this critical system in your car maintenance. Brakes wear down over time and need to be replaced. A few warning signs to watch out for include squeaky brakes, grinding noises when you brake, thumping in the brake pedal, and increased stopping distance. Better yet, get your vehicle inspected regularly so brake issues are caught before these symptoms appear.
Check Engine Light
You might be tempted to ignore or at least postpone a harmless-seeming warning light on your dashboard. The check engine light can signal dozens of different problems. Some are minor, but some are not. If you see a solid check engine light, request an appointment with us as soon as possible. If the light is flashing, your car needs immediate attention. Flashing lights are scary!
Fluid Leaks
Several fluids are vital to your vehicle’s performance and safety, from the oil to the transmission fluid. If one of them is leaking, it will inevitably cause damage if left unattended. Have your fluids checked and topped off regularly, and if you spot a leak, don’t delay a visit to see us.
Skeletons in the Closet: Commonly Overlooked Car Maintenance
Remember, the best way to avoid scary situations in your car is with proactive maintenance. If you procrastinate on these routine tasks, you’ll pay the price later in costly repairs or dangerous malfunctions. Oil changes, tire rotation, and battery checks are three routine car maintenance tasks that are easy to overlook but are essential for vehicle safety and performance.
Oil Change
You should check your oil level monthly, or every time you get gas. The general recommendation is to get an oil change once or twice a year, but some cars need it more often.
Tire Rotation
Rotating the tires helps them wear evenly, which prolongs their lifespan and maintains proper tread depth. In the rainy Seattle area, good tread depth and traction are essential for wet roads. You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Tire rotation can also be paired with an oil change for convenience.
Battery Check
You might not think about your car battery much until one day you find yourself stranded with a dead car. The average battery life expectancy in our area is 56 months. Periodically checking the battery’s health helps you avoid this unfortunate situation.
Have a Spooky Season, Not a Spooky Vehicle: Get a Safety Inspection at Tom’s Auto!
Save the scares for the haunted house and come get your vehicle inspection. Our experts can give it a comprehensive inspection for any safety concerns and performance issues. From oil changes and tire rotations to brake repair, we can take care of any car frights. Request an appointment at Tom’s Automotive today, and have a safe, happy Halloween!