We all know how important it is to care for our cars, but this is oftentimes a chore we leave for later. However, now that the colder weather is just around the corner, it’s time to actually buckle down and do the maintenance we have put off for our cars. And, of course, the hotter months usually have a way of causing damage to our vehicles. From potholes and damaged tired to road trip traffic, our cars could use some help! Here are some of the top ways you can make your car more comfortable and safer for your passengers.
Clean It!
The number one way to keep your car feeling and looking its best is to clean it. The long winter ahead will put some added stress on your car, meaning that you need to survey every nook and cranny. We highly recommend checking the bottom of your car for rust spots, as well! By staying on top of potential problem areas, you can avoid a problem from ever arising.
Checking your wiper blades, seals, and any other rubber components will help you feel more prepared in case of precipitation. Repair whatever you need, then be sure to hit the car wash! You will need to get off any road salt before it begins to corrode. We also recommend wiping down the floor mats, as any road salt your track inside has the possibility of damaging the floorboards. Visiting your local Crazy Clean Car Wash is a great way to keep your car’s exterior clean and free from picking up road salts.
Check Your Tires
The summer months cause the air inside your tires to expand, which means they are more likely to blow out. Check the pressure regularly to ensure that they have not been under- or over-inflated. You should always adjust the tire pressure to the specifications listed on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Some people think that the proper pressure is on the tires, but this is not so. That number is actually the max amount the tires can hold! Also, the tread of your tires matters quite a bit. Make sure to check this or have a mechanic assess how your tires are doing. When it’s time for new ones, we suggest you buy them as soon as you can. After all, it’s only the tires in between you and the road.
Check Under the Hood
If you spent 15 minutes under the hood of your car each month, you might be able to prevent up to 70 percent of issues that lead to highway breakdowns. Squeeze each of the hoses to make sure that there are no cracks, and check for frayed belts that might mean there are leaks. Your five main fluids—oil, transmission, coolant, brake, and power steering—can all cause issues if there is a leak or a larger issue at play.
Suspension
The upcoming cold weather is going to mean dips and potholes once summer rolls around again, as the contrasting temperatures compromise the concrete. This means that your vehicle’s suspension is going to suffer. You may end up with a misaligned steering wheel. When needed, replace any worn shocks, joints, and springs to make your steering a little more alert. Your steering wheel should turn with you when you demand. You will feel your steering get a little sloppier as the suspension begins to wear down. Check your shocks by pushing down on each corner of the car after you drive it. If the shocks are working correctly, the car will become stable again after just one bounce.
Crazy Clean Car Wash
Of course, your car will demand some maintenance over the seasons, but the best way to ensure that you don’t have any preventable body damage is to get regular car washes from Crazy Clean Car Wash. We know that having access to our quality car washes and free car vacuums at all times can help you get the clean your car needs anytime. Stop by one of our three convenient Odessa locations for the craziest clean your car has ever had. If you are interested in getting a pass for unlimited car washes, we have you covered. Choose the package that makes the most sense to you, and we will see you soon.
