4 Essential Breakdown Prevention Tips Every Car Owner Should Know
September 7, 2020
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.
How Essential Is a Summer Emergency Kit?
Summer heat affects every part of your car, but your tires are especially vulnerable. The hot pavement, rising internal pressure, and long drives can all contribute to tire failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to make sure your tires stay safe and road-ready all season. Here is how summer heat impacts your tires and what you can do to protect them. 1. Increased Air Pressure As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure inside your tires. For every 10-degree increase in temperature, tire pressure can rise by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). Overinflation can cause tires to wear unevenly and increase the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s recommended levels. 2. Faster Tread Wear Heat softens rubber, making it wear down more quickly. This is especially true if you are driving at high speeds on hot asphalt. Inspect your tires weekly during the summer for signs of excessive or uneven tread wear. If you notice balding or sidewall damage, it is time for a replacement. 3. Risk of Blowouts Blowouts are more common in summer because the combination of high speed, high pressure, and worn tires creates the perfect storm. To reduce your risk, avoid overloading your vehicle, maintain proper tire pressure, and replace old or worn tires as soon as needed. 4. Importance of Tire Rotation Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, improving traction and extending their lifespan. Team Ryan Automotive recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This simple step can save you money and help keep your vehicle safe. 5. Alignment and Balancing Improper wheel alignment or unbalanced tires can cause uneven wear and strain on your suspension. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel vibrates at high speeds, schedule a wheel alignment and tire balancing service. This can enhance tire performance and improve ride comfort. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for Tire Safety Tire safety is essential for your comfort, performance, and protection. If you are not sure about the condition of your tires, let our experts take a look. We offer tire inspections, pressure adjustments, rotations, alignments, and tire replacements. Whether you are commuting around town or planning a summer getaway, we will make sure your tires are ready for the heat. Keep your summer rolling smoothly with tire care you can trust. Schedule your tire service today at Team Ryan Automotive.
Summer road trips are a classic American tradition. Whether you are headed to the beach, the mountains, or your favorite theme park, the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination. To help you avoid unexpected delays and make the most of your trip, here are five key vehicle preparation tips from Team Ryan Automotive. 1. Start with an Oil Change Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool, reduces friction, and supports fuel efficiency. If your oil is dirty or your last change was more than 3,000 miles ago, schedule an oil change before your trip. Remember, all TRA oil changes come with our complimentary Standard Vehicle Inspection. 2. Inspect Tires for Wear and Pressure Proper tire maintenance is essential for road safety. Check the tread depth to ensure there is enough grip, especially if you expect rain. Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot that could lead to blowouts. Finally, make sure all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tire too. 3. Test Your Battery and Charging System No one wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of a road trip. Summer heat can weaken your battery and stress your alternator. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for a battery test and charging system inspection. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, we will recommend a replacement to keep you powered up. 4. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid Reliable brakes are vital for a safe trip. Listen for squeaking or grinding when braking and watch for a spongy pedal feel. These could be signs that your brake pads or fluid need attention. Let us perform a full brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for any driving condition. 5. Prepare Your Emergency Kit Every road trip should include an emergency kit. Stock it with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. Having these items on hand can help you handle unexpected delays or mechanical issues more comfortably. Bonus Tip: Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection Before hitting the road, bring your vehicle to Team Ryan Automotive for a pre-trip inspection . Our certified technicians will check your fluids, belts, hoses, tires, and more. We will catch small issues before they become trip-ending problems. Enjoy Peace of Mind on the Road A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to summer travel. Our team is here to help you enjoy your road trip with fewer surprises and more smiles. Schedule your service visit today and travel with peace of mind.
