Preventative Car Maintenance Helps You Get the Most Out of Your Car

*Bulldog Automotive is a Mahomet Daily sponsor. The following content is part of that agreement. 

Much like brushing our teeth or going to the doctor for yearly check-ups, regular preventative car maintenance can help a car owner get the most out of their vehicle. Regular preventative maintenance, such as oil changes, making sure the car’s fluids are adequate or replacing spark plugs (among other things) will not only ensure that your vehicle has the essential components it needs to run, but will also help you find potential or small problems before they become something major. Because every make and model are different, it is important that you check with your owner’s manual to see what type of regular maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer. While we suggest you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, items such as timing belts, filters or transmission service will vary between vehicle. While it is important that you bring your car in to be serviced as recommended by the car manufacturer, it is also important that you, as the owner, understand the simple things you can do at home to make sure your car is running efficiently. With any oil change service, Bulldog Automotive will check fluids and filters while notifying you of any other potential problems with your vehicle, but if you check your vehicle monthly, making sure the lights work, your tires are wearing evenly or your fluids are at the recommended levels, then you, too, can more consistently become aware of problems as they may arise.

Because every make and model are different, it is important that you check with your owner’s manual to see what type of regular maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer. While we suggest you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, items such as timing belts, filters or transmission service will vary between vehicle. While it is important that you bring your car in to be serviced as recommended by the car manufacturer, it is also important that you, as the owner, understand the simple things you can do at home to make sure your car is running efficiently. With any oil change service, Bulldog Automotive will check fluids and filters while notifying you of any other potential problems with your vehicle, but if you check your vehicle monthly, making sure the lights work, your tires are wearing evenly or your fluids are at the recommended levels, then you, too, can more consistently become aware of problems as they may arise.

While it is important that you bring your car in to be serviced as recommended by the car manufacturer, it is also important that you, as the owner, understand the simple things you can do at home to make sure your car is running efficiently. With any oil change service, Bulldog Automotive will check fluids and filters while notifying you of any other potential problems with your vehicle, but if you check your vehicle monthly, making sure the lights work, your tires are wearing evenly or your fluids are at the recommended levels, then you, too, can more consistently become aware of problems as they may arise.

Make sure all your lights are working, check your tire pressure, listen for any strange sounds, use a penny to check your tire tread.

Check you fluid levels: wiper fluid, antifreeze, power steering, coolant. You should be able to see most fluid levels through the tank directly, but most models also have a dipstick so you can make sure all fluids are at optimal levels. If levels are low anywhere, make sure you refill them with the appropriate fluid and check for any leaks that may be causing the fluid to drain.

Inspect timing and serpentine belts for cuts, cracks, missing chunks and other signs of wear. If these belts break, it can cause damage to other parts of your car, making the repair even more expensive.

Check your oil levels and have it changed every 3,000 miles for best performance. Use the oil dipstick to make sure your oil isn’t muddy or murky, as this could be a sign of additional problems.

Make sure your battery and make sure the battery contacts are not rusted or dirty. If they are, clean them off with a battery cleaning brush, which you can purchase at any auto parts or department store.

Inspect your windshield wipers. A clean windshield is essential for getting from point A to point B. Windshield wipers see daily damage as they sit out in the hot sun or scrape ice off your window. Check for cracks or tears. Windshield wipers are inexpensive and in most cases, can easily be replaced at home.

Bulldog Autmotive set up shop at 1006 McDougal Road in Mahomet in 2014 to provide Mahomet residents with honest, quality care car at an affordable price. A Mahomet native, Scott Miller is a factory trained General Motors, Toyota, Honda and Kia mechanic. He believes car owners should be educated on their vehicle investments and enjoys working with old friends and new customers.