Although we may have the tools and emergency kits to try and manage a breakdown, we still want to do everything we can to avoid being stuck on the side of the road. Not only is there an inconvenience, there is a safety concern as well as the cost of a tow truck and unexpected repairs. I know it's not the kind of surprise anyone wants! So, that means the million dollar question must be, “Is there any way to avoid a broken down car?
In short, yes! Keeping up with your car’s maintenance will help your car avoid that dreaded ‘B’ word, and here’s how you do that:”
Check Fluid Levels
Has anyone ever gone a day without water? Or perhaps drank less water than they usually do? How do you feel the following morning? You feel sluggish. Your tongue is probably dry. Your head may feel a little pressure, and your skin feels dry and tight. It’s not a great feeling, and we find ourselves chugging down three glasses of water before we even make it to the coffee machine. Well, just like we need water not only to survive but to perform at our best, your car also needs fluids to survive and perform at its best as well.
If your car is low on fluids, that’s a sure-fire way to end up broken down. Much like if our bodies are low on water, we aren’t going to be our best selves. We suggest checking your vehicle’s fluid levels once a month, or you could also do so when you get an oil change.
1. Level: Letting your oil level drop can cause excessive friction in the engine which can damage or even cause it to seize up.
2. Coolant: Failing to check the coolant can result in an overheated car. Overheating can cause warped cylinders or cracks in the head gasket.
3. Power steering fluid and break fluid
Checking these fluids will help make sure your car is happy, and you avoid any unplanned adventures on the side of the road.
Replace Your Fan Belt Regularly
Your car relies on your fan belt to move. And we all can say with certainty an immobile car doesn’t help us much. Typically, a fan belt lasts about 60,000 to 90,000 miles. We recommend getting your fan belt checked every oil change to ensure it’s working properly.
Check Your Tires
Getting your tires check is crucial throughout your car’s life. It’s important to be on the lookout for low tire pressure and worn tire treads. An old tire is more prone to blowing out, leaving you on the side of the road. Even if you have tools and kit to handle such an event, I doubt it's on your wish list for the day of desired activities. Balding on the treads is a sign of an old tire as well as cracks on the sidewall. As a whole, we recommend replacing your tires every six years, regardless of balding.
Helpful tip: If you do ever need to use your spare, be sure to get a new tire as soon as possible. Driving around on a spare for an extended period of time is not recommended, so in that event, head over to Team Ryan, and we’ll be sure you aren’t driving on a spare tire for too long. Did you know that with every oil change Team Ryan inspects your spare to ensure it is ready to do its job?
Don't Ignore Warning Lights
Your car can talk to you, but not in the way that you might think. When warning lights come on, that is your car’s way of saying, “hey, something’s going on here!” And you don’t want to ignore that. We also understand that sometimes warning lights can be a little hard to decipher, but don’t fret because we can figure it out for you. As soon as that warning light turns on, come visit us, and we would love to get your car back to tip-top shape!
Team Ryan Automotive in Buford, Georgia wants to keep you safe while you are on the road. Although it’s good to always have an emergency plan, we want to make sure your car stays in the best work condition, so that plan hopefully remains a backup plan and not reality. If you have any questions about what we offer, give us a call at (678) 765-7926 or contact us
here.
