October is Fall Car Care Month, and The Car Care Council's "Be Car Care Aware®" campaign encourages everyone to perform regular vehicle maintenance that will help keep their luxury vehicles safe, dependable, and on the road longer.
As your preferred luxury car dealer in Miami, we wholeheartedly endorse the efforts to turn the public's awareness to proper and regular car maintenance. No matter what car you drive, keeping it in good working condition not only makes sense, but it's also the safe and responsible thing to do. Bad brakes, worn tires, and burned out headlights and taillights are just some of the many things that can make your car less safe to drive on our roadways.
So, in support of Fall Car Care Month, our factory-trained service technicians here at Braman Genesis put together the following 10 steps to better car care. By following these steps, you can make sure your car is running properly, saving you money, getting you better fuel economy, increasing your car's performance and helping to maintain your investment for many miles down the road.
Step 1 - Check Your Oil & Transmission Fluids
It's not a cliché to say that oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine because it literally is just that. Dirty oil, or not enough oil, can lead to premature engine wear, a loss of power, and lower fuel economy. An oil change, performed every 5,000-7,500 miles, is the best preventative maintenance you can perform on your luxury car.
If your oil is a bit low, you can add some oil yourself, being careful not to overfill. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of oil to use. Also, read your manual for the correct way to check your transmission fluid and follow the recommended oil change interval for your particular vehicle.
Step 2 - Check Your Battery
The hot Florida sun is murder on car batteries; many vehicle batteries only last two or three years here, in fact.
Check your battery for any corrosion around the battery terminals. Remove the cables and clean the terminals with a stiff wire brush. You can buy special pads to put on the terminal posts that will help prevent further buildup, as well.
If you find your car getting harder to start, bring it to our Genesis Service Center in South Florida for an electrical system checkup.
Step 3 - Check Your Tires
Worn or improperly inflated tires can be dangerous. Tire pressure should be checked monthly, especially when seasons change, as temperature swings impact tire pressure. You'll see the correct tire pressure sticker affixed to the inside of the driver's door, or consult your owner's manual for the right PSI.
Our advice? Test tire pressure when the tires are cold (e.g. in the morning). Examine your tires for gouges or cracks in the sidewall. Check tread depth with a tire tread gauge or by putting an upside-down penny into the treads; if you see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. Also, look for signs of uneven tread wear which could point to an alignment problem.
Get your wheels aligned if you notice any problems, including your vehicle pulling to the side.
Step 4 - Check Your Windshield Wipers
Examine your wiper blades for any cracks or rubber separation from the wiper blade arm. If your wipers streak, squeak, or don't move smoothly across the windshield, they may need replacing. The wiper blade should be pliable, not hard or unbendable. Order OEM windshield wiper blades from our Genesis parts department.
Step 5 - Check Your Engine Coolant
You should always check your engine coolant when the engine is cold and not running. Look for the plastic overflow reservoir connected to the radiator and use the proper type of coolant specified for your engine, as some coolants are not compatible with aluminum radiators. Don't overfill!
Step 6 - Check Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters rob your car of power and cause lower fuel economy.
Locate the air filter housing connected to the car's air intake and undo the latches. Replace filter if necessary. You should check the air filter every three to six months.
You should also check your car's cabin air filter. Your owner's manual will show you how to do this; otherwise, take your car to our South Florida Genesis service facility for assistance.
Step 7 - Check Vehicle Lights
Make sure that your car's headlights, taillights, side marker lights (if so equipped), turn signals, and brake lights are working properly. You can restore cloudy headlight lenses with an off-the-shelf product or have it professionally polished to like-new clarity. Contact our Braman Genesis Service Department for details.
Step 8 - Check Your Power Steering, Brake & Washer Fluids
Find your car's plastic reservoirs and check the levels of the power steering, brake, and washer fluids. Use a clean, unopened container to add fluids if necessary. You can fill your windshield washer reservoir with washer fluid formulated to remove bugs and grime.
Step 9 - Check Hoses & Belts
Hoses tend to wear from the inside out because of the fluids going through them under pressure. Check for soft spots and any corrosion or buildup where the hoses attach to the radiator and the engine block. Also, check to see if the hoses are tight. Examine the belts for any fraying, cracks, or slick spots that may indicate they need to be changed.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Our certified service technicians at Braman Genesis are trained to detect these problems.
Step 10 - Check Your Brakes
In addition to checking the brake fluid, you also need to pay attention to your brakes, as they are a critical safety component. If you have to pump your brakes, push your pedal to the floor, or if the brakes feel "soft" or "mushy," these are signs of potential trouble. Also, if your brakes pulsate when you use them, this could be a sign of warped rotors.
Brake pads are designed to emit an audible "chirping" sound when they need to be replaced. But not all brake problems are easy to spot. That's why it's a good idea to have our brake service technicians inspect them for any issues.
Save Money on Authorized Genesis Service in Miami
Be money-smart. Come to Braman Genesis in Miami, FL, when you need your luxury car serviced. We have excellent oil change coupons and other auto service deals each month, as well as great finance and lease offers on new Genesis models, like the G70 for sale in Miami.
Visit our Miami Genesis dealership at 2001 NE 2nd Avenue today for a personalized VIP sales and service experience. Or simply schedule your luxury car service appointment online with complimentary valet.
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