Tag Archives: car maintenance

Mopar’s Fall Auto Maintenance Check List

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ID-100109424Just because the weather can’t figure out its mind concerning the temperature doesn’t mean it is not a good time to start getting prepared for colder weather.  After such a scorching summer, it’s a good time to start the preparations for a chilly fall and winter.  Mopar has put out their fall check-list for drivers to make sure they’re ready.  Here it is:

1) Brakes.

Always an important thing to take proper care of.  Last thing anyone needs is to lose control of one of the most vital parts of a vehicle.  Traveling during the summer can wear down the layers on the brake pads leaving them dangerously thin.  Now is the time to make sure they’re ready for the difficult conditions that come with slick roads.

2) Tires

Speaking of dealing with slick roads, tires are extremely important to look into before the fall season.  Check for any edge wear, center wear, or shoulder wear to see if you have any trouble spots on your car.  It’s also a good time to check to make sure the air pressure in all the tires is at the proper levels.  Make sure your spare is also good to go.

3) Battery

The extreme New York heat can have severe effects on a battery.  It shortens the life and is a principle reason for a car dying in the middle of winter, at the worst possible time no less.  Give the battery a look over to see if there’s any cracks in the case.

4) Wiper Blades

Take it from someone who was once caught in a blizzard with broken wiper blades, it’s not fun.  Make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do and that’s keeping the road visible.

5) Shocks & Struts

Not usually something that most drivers consider when readying their vehicle for fall driving.  With chillier weather also comes the dreaded potholes and they can do a number on the ill-prepared motorist.

6) Engine Oil

This is something regardless of the approaching fall season that should always be checked into.  Make sure you’re meeting your regular intervals of oil changes to make sure that it doesn’t negatively impact your vehicle during colder weather.  Low or dirty fluids can wreak havoc on your engine.

7) Fluid Levels

Again, something that should always be taken care of.  Make certain the fluids on things such as power-steering , transmission, brake, windshield fluid are at factory recommend levels.  It’s also a good time to check on the anti-freeze levels.

8) Engine Belts & Hose

These are supposed to be replaced at regular intervals, so just make sure you’re doing that and if it is that time, then there is no better time than now to do it.

9) Air Filter

Having bad air flow can lead to negative consequences on your engine and even on the amount of gas your engine is consuming on a trip.  Having a new filter will do wonders for your gas mileage and help your engine last longer.

10) Headlamps and Tail lamps

With the fall season approaching, so are longer nights.  During the tail end of the year, you’ll find yourself driving much more during darker portions and for that reason it’s good to make sure that other drivers can see you easily.  Give both the front and the back lamps a good look at to make sure they are functioning properly and optimally.

There you have it, a good start to ensuring your car is ready for whatever weather the final part of the year will bring.  If you need any help with any of this maintenance, make sure to contact the service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We’ll make sure your car is ready for the weather.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beat the Gas Price Increase With These Helpful Tips!

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ID-100109424Bad news for drivers out there; gas prices are on the rise.  Hopefully it won’t be long before they go down again, but it’s best to prepare just in case.  To that end, we’re here to help you with some tips on what you can do to keep your costs down.  You don’t have the power to make the numbers with dollar signs next to them go down, but you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your vehicle.

PRNewswire has put together a good list, courtesy of the Car Care Council, of what you should be doing to help ease the pain you feel when reaching for your wallet at the pump.

  • Reduce your gas mileage by 4 percent by keeping your car tuned.
  • By keeping your tired inflated to the right amount can improve the gas mileage by 3.3 percent
  • Make sure to replace dirty or clogged air filters and improve the gas mileage by 10 percent

Other means you can take to improve your gas mileage is by observing these tips while you’re driving:

  • Take a look at the speed limit.  When you’re above 50 mph, your gas mileage goes down fast.  For every 5 mph over 50 you go, that’s an additional 25 cents per gallon for gas.
  • Don’t idle your car.  You only need a minute or two to heat up your car.
  • Don’t do any quick starts or stops.  In the city this can lower the gas mileage by 33 percent and 5 percent when you’re in the city.
  • Bunch trips together.  It’s better to make a lengthier trip than multiple shorter ones.
  • Check to make sure you don’t have extra weight in your car.  Empty out unnecessary things from your trunk and back seat.  The added weight can be causing you to need more gas than you normally would.

Follow these pieces of advice and you may find yourself more capable of weathering higher gas price periods.

If you’re in the Queens area and are in need of a tune-up, stop by Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We offer monthly parts and service specials for you to take advantage of.  Make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more tips and monthly offers.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net