Car Service is essential to keep your car running at its best. Regular maintenance checks include oil and filter changes, fluid top ups (engine oil, brake fluid, power steering, and wiper fluid) and a visual inspection.
Addressing small issues early on can save you money in the long run. A well-maintained vehicle will also be more fuel efficient, saving you cash at the pump. Contact AmRide now!
A Check Engine Light means your vehicle’s computer has determined that something is wrong. It’s a warning, not a threat, but it’s best to have any problems looked at as soon as possible. Problems that go ignored can damage your engine or cause other costly issues.
Modern cars rely on a complex system to manage everything from ignition timing to fuel mixture to emissions. A problem with any of these systems can affect performance and, in some cases, trigger the Check Engine Light. While it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact issue, a professional technician will be able to determine what is causing the Check Engine Light and recommend appropriate repairs.
Many of the same things that can trigger the Check Engine Light also reduce fuel efficiency or increase harmful emissions. In many cases, a simple fix such as inflating your tires or tightening the gas cap can solve these problems. However, if the light is blinking or has been on for some time, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is brought in to be assessed.
Generally, a solid check engine light indicates that there are a few problems that require immediate attention. This could be anything from a loose spark plug wire to a misfiring engine. However, a blinking light is often a sign of a more serious issue such as unburned fuel entering the catalytic converter or even a failed oxygen sensor that can lead to long-term engine damage.
Whether the light is blinking or steady, you should have it addressed as soon as possible to avoid expensive repairs down the road. In many cases, the problems that trigger the Check Engine Light will have a direct impact on your fuel efficiency and power output, so it’s important to bring your car in for an inspection as soon as you notice any issues.
Brakes
Your car’s brakes are essential to its functionality. They slow and stop your vehicle, so it’s important to stay on top of car service for your brakes. This is especially true if you’re driving over rough roads, which can cause additional wear on your brakes and other car parts like rotors and calipers.
During regular auto maintenance, technicians inspect the brake system for signs of problems, such as squealing noises. They also look at the brake fluid level and change it if needed, following your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. They will also check the condition of the rotors and brake pads, and adjust the parking brake as needed.
When the brake pads are worn down, they begin to grind directly against the rotors, which causes damage to both the rotors and the calipers. This is expensive to repair, so it’s important to catch the problem early by staying on top of your routine brake maintenance.
Other brake issues that can be prevented with regular car care include a fading or spongy brake pedal, which could mean air in the brake lines or low brake fluid. It’s also important to keep in mind that aggressive driving habits can increase the wear and tear on your brakes.
While it may seem counterintuitive, a well-functioning brake system requires less energy to maintain its speed, which can help improve your fuel economy. So, by keeping up with the recommended car service intervals for your brakes and other key components, you can save money at the gas pump and get more mileage from your vehicle. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe and ready to take on the road.
Tires
A car’s tires are one of its most important safety features, affecting the ride quality, handling, and braking abilities. Getting the right tires for your vehicle is essential, as are regular tire inspections and maintenance. Keeping up with air pressure, tread depth and wheel alignment are a few key things that can help extend the life of your tires.
Often the most visible signs of wear and tear on tires are cracks and cuts. These may appear on the sidewall, in the tread or on the rim. These issues can affect the ability of the tire to hold air and its structural integrity. If you have a cracked or damaged tire, it is time to get a new one.
The tires on your vehicle connect to the road via a steel wire that runs all the way around the tire. The tire’s tread is then bonded to this steel wire. The tread helps create traction between the tires and the road, and it channels water away from the contact surface to prevent hydroplaning.
If a driver’s driving style causes excessive stress on the tires, they will wear out faster. Harsh acceleration and braking can cause a sudden loss of traction that leads to the tires overheating and deteriorating.
Depending on the climate, a tire’s lifespan can also be affected. High temperatures can soften the rubber, while cold temperatures can make it brittle and more susceptible to cracking. It is recommended that drivers regularly inspect their tires for damage and pay attention to seasonal changes, such as dropping air pressure in the winter and increasing air pressure in the summer.
Some auto shops offer a full suite of tire services, including alignment and balancing. This service ensures that your tires are wearing evenly and provides a smoother drive. It is also a good idea to check your tires on a regular basis, and to rotate them every 6,000 miles for best results. Taking your vehicle for a regular tire inspection is an easy and affordable way to save money on repairs, improve your safety, and extend the life of your tires.
Lights
Some of your car’s dashboard warning lights signal things that can be fixed at a later date, while others require immediate attention. Knowing the difference between these different types of lights can help you avoid costly engine damage and keep your vehicle safe to drive.
Designed to look like the front view of your car between two parallel lines, this indicator will light up when your car’s traction control or stability control systems are activated. While this may seem frightening, remember that these systems are designed to prevent your vehicle from spinning and sliding on dangerous roads. This is a good sign that they are doing their job well!
This dashboard indicator, which looks like a person in the driver’s seat with their seatbelt buckled on, will illuminate and remain lit until both the driver and front passenger are properly buckled in. This is a good reminder to buckle up, especially when driving in poor weather conditions.
This one looks like a spanner and will activate if your car needs a service or inspection. This is a less urgent warning light than the Check Engine Light, but it should still be taken seriously and you should take your car in for a service appointment as soon as possible.
The Battery – Charge or Overheat Warning Light, which is shaped like a partially submerged thermometer, will glow blue while your engine is warming up, but if it turns red it means that there is an issue with the vehicle’s charging system, possibly due to a bad alternator. This is another light that requires immediate attention, as it can lead to a loss of power to important systems and electrical devices.
Hopefully, you will never see any of these dashboard warning lights turn on in your vehicle, but it is always best to be prepared just in case. To help you do that, make sure that your fleet vehicles are protected from corrosion by regularly inspecting them for signs of moisture damage and using protective coverings on vulnerable electrical connections. This will help extend the life of your lighting and electrical systems and prevent CSA violations and unplanned downtime for your drivers.