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5 SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPRING DRIVING

A father and son clean a car.

Spring is here and this is a good time to tune up your ride after the winter weather in the Bay area. This is the prime time to give your car some TLC after the miles commuting to work and around town in winter weather.
To get started, the ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) recommends a complete spring maintenance check to help minimize major part replacements and limit future car expenses. If you have any questions regarding these tips, the mechanics at F.H. Dailey Chevrolet are available to field your questions.


1. Remove Left Over Salt With A Thorough Exterior Cleaning
Road salt used to melt ice and snow is damaging to your car’s undercarriage; it is also harmful to your vehicle’s paint finish. Ensure your car or truck receives a thorough exterior cleaning every spring to remove salt, sludge and dirt from the roads. A simple wash and wax can go a long way; a full auto detailing service will go even farther.
2. Check Alignment and Suspension
Winter weather creates potholes in roads; driving over potholes strains your vehicle’s alignment and suspension, which means it’s a good practice to check both the alignment and suspension of your vehicle if your winter excursions were bumpy rides. Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before warmer weather sets in.
3. Hoses and Belts
Transitioning between freezing temperatures and extremely hot temperatures causes engine hoses and belts to expand and contract. Check to ensure no cracks or tears were created during winter. If cracks or tears exist, replace the belt or hose as soon as possible. The tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician.
4. Check Tire Pressure, Tire Wear and Rotate Tires
Similar to the hoses and belts check – tires expand and contract in changing temperatures. The rubber can become weathered, cracked and worn down in winter weather – sometimes causing tires to wear unevenly, lose air and make them prone to damage. Blowing a tire on the highway is no fun; replacing a blown tire with a spare is even less fun. Completing a simple tire check in spring will help you avoid future tire trouble and consistently rotating tires extends the life of the tire.
5. Check Auto Fluids
In addition to the above auto maintenance checks, it’s good practice to always check auto fluids. Oil should be changed every three to five thousand miles. Anitfreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid should also be replenished and flushed on a case by case basis. Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.

Feel free to reach our service team at 866-649-8676 if we can be of any assistance. View our Service Coupons here.

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4 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR HOLIDAY VEHICLE PREP

4 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR HOLIDAY VEHICLE PREP

1. Have a professional check your fluid levels: Although this seems as such an easy enough task, there is a safety risk if not performed properly. Our certified technicians can check your fluid levels, and the systems they control. We recommend checking Brake Fluid, Coolant Fluid, Power Steering, Transmission and Windshield Washer Fluid in addition to Motor Oil. 2. Ensure Proper Tire Care: The only think keeping your vehicle safely on the road is your tires. During the Holiday Season, the additional wear from the extra workload increase the chances of irregular and premature wear if your tires are not properly inflated you run the risk of overloading them. Be sure to have your tires, alignment, suspension and steering components all checked out to make sure they are in good condition. 3. On Schedule Oil & Filter Changes: There's nothing like a well-oiled machine to ensure safety and longevity on the road. Next to you, trust us when we say regular oil changes are your vehicles best friend. Oil changes are the least expensive form of maintenance you can do to maximize engine life and reduce repairs. 4. Check your battery, test the heater, lights and wipers: Checking your battery before it fails, will save you additional stress during the holiday season. While checking your battery, take a few minutes to test your heat. Nothing is worse than finding out your heat isn't working when it's chilly outside. In addition, check your interior and exterior lights to ensure everything is working properly. Lastly, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way, you're going to need to see the road. Test your wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary. We want you to enjoy your Holiday Trips to see family and friends, without worrying about any vehicle problems that could arise. We recommend following these tips for stress free travel this Holiday Season. Enjoy your Holidays!

HIDDEN RISKS OF DELAYED CAR SERVICE

HIDDEN RISKS OF DELAYED CAR SERVICE

For some people out there, car maintenance or service is nothing more than filling up their fuel tank. If checking your vehicle before every drive sounds a waste of time and money, it is something you cannot overlook. Though it is not one of your main priorities, regular vehicle service can help eliminate higher expenditures in the long run. Aside from that, it can ensure an increase driving safety, functional performance, excellent fuel economy, extended lifespan, and much more. But delaying car service lessens your chance to experience countless benefits which will lead to hassles. Due to delayed car service, here are the following risks you cannot afford to encounter. • Oil Sludge Build up In the Engine Just like a gel, any built up oil sludge adheres to many parts of your engine. It seems a simple problem but it definitely inhibits the smooth or normal flow of oil over the engine of your car. Once it remains unresolved, it will pollute the engine that can cost beyond your imagination. This is why calling a car service provider on a regular basis is very imperative. It is the perfect solution to protect your investment. • Inadequate Protection and Safety Have you ever experienced car mechanical failure on the road? Whatever the case maybe, you might get injured and did not know what to do. But you are still lucky because this problem might put your life at stake. To have the peace of mind, it is always best to hire a qualified company ahead of time. Giving them a try can keep the braking, steering, or suspension in an ideal condition. Frequent car maintenance really plays a pivotal role in locating or addressing wear and other potential issues. Despite the expenses you might handle, your protection and safety are the most important things money could not compensate. Thus, let a well-skilled provider deal with all your needs for your convenience and comfort. • Unnecessary Wear and Tear The failure to count on a car repair or maintenance company can result in excessive or unnecessary wear and tear. Although this might not sound a big problem, taking action as soon as possible is very indispensable. Most of the time, wear and tear could reduce the quality and performance of your vehicle. If you do not want your money and effort is futile, give the nearest professional a call. • Vehicle Damage Do you know that driving an inefficient car can lead to an expensive damage? Well, it's certainly true. If you always take a ride using a dysfunctional vehicle, it would result in severe issues. So, it is advisable to set an appointment with a service provider. This would not only help avoid problems like that but also give you a stress-free journey. When looking for a service provider, it is perfect to take advantage of the internet. With just a few clicks, you will find the one that can exceed your expectation. But it is not that easy. Fortunately, we're here to come to your rescue. Give us a call and witness our commitment to serve you!