Getting your first car is a big step in responsibility. Maintaining it properly can be a daunting task if you’re in high school, starting college, or even graduated recently. Don’t get flustered, though! We at Holiday Ford have some general tips for maintenance for your first year of car ownership.
What to always keep an eye on
You should always keep an eye on things like tire inflation and tread, if your lights are working, and if you have any warning lights lit up on your dashboard (like the check engine light). We also recommend opening your hood and checking the levels of your fluid. Even if it’s not time to fill them, a leak could happen that drastically lowers your levels.
Every 3 months or 3,000 miles
For many this marks the time to get your oil changed. Depending on what you’re driving, the actual mileage could range anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 — or more. But it’s always good to err on the side of caution with oil. It’s much less expensive than breaking your engine.
Every 6 months or 6,000 miles
This one surprises a lot of people, but your windshield wipers need to be changed about twice a year. Rotating your tires is another one that people forget about, but doing this can help extend the life of your tires, so it’s worth it!
Checking your battery is a good tip every six months, or at least before both summer and winter start. Both of these seasons can be pretty rough on a battery, so you’ll want to make sure everything is in tip-top shape.
Every year or 12,000 miles
It’s a smart habit to get some of the bigger or general stuff checked every year, like wheel alignment , cabin air filter, and breaks. Remember that these are just general times, and that for specific instructions on scheduling your car maintenance can be found in the owner’s manual. Also — and don’t get scared here — but there is more to do. Getting to know your owner’s manual or regularly taking your car in for service can go a long way and save you from a future headache.
We offer a large variety of vehicle service and repair at Holiday Ford in Fond du Lac, WI. Give us a call at (855) 395-7440, or schedule an appointment online. Don’t forget to check out our service coupons to get all the savings possible.
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