The Harrisonburg Used Car Preventative Checklist
Harrisonburg used car buyers know one thing for sure. The surest path to a long healthy relationship with your vehicle is the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing so will increase fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and help to ensure the life of your engine. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Oil and Coolant Levels
Every few gas fill-ups—especially if you’re taking a longer road trip—inspect both the oil and coolant levels. You want to perform the check when the engine is cool. Low oil and coolant levels left unchecked can lead to engine problems.
Oil & Oil Filter
Keeping your oil clean is vital to your engine’s good health. It performs a multitude of functions from the lubrication of moving parts, acting as a sealant against dirt and debris, to cooling the engine (mentioned above), all of which, reduces engine wear and tear and preventing engine corrosion.
How often should you change your oil and oil filter? That depends on your driving habits and what your owner’s manual recommends.
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
It goes without saying that well-maintained tires are integral to safe driving! But it’s also important for fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure monthly and before you travel. Carrying an extra load? Check your tire pressure. Remember, during cold months, tire pressure drops one pound with every 10 degree drop in pressure. That’s why a seasonal check is good, too.
Rotate Tires
A good way to extend the life of your tires is to have them regularly rotated. This will help to balance out tread wear, helping to prevent vibration and noise problems. Tread wear patterns can vary from back and front tires, another reason for regular rotation.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Brake and Turn Signals
Visually inspect your vehicle at least once per month, including those easy-to-overlook items like turn signals, brakes, parking lights and headlights.
Wax Your Used Car
Waxing your car every six months doesn’t just keep it shiny. It helps to keep the paint in good shape and reduces the chance of rust. Environmental factors like UV lights and ozone light as well as the usual suspects of dust, salt, and sand can cause microscopic damage. Waxing can help minimize damage with a protective seal.
Now for those long-term checkups:
Serpentine Belt
This essential belt powers your alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor. Make sure there are not cracks or any other sign of wear and tear. Replace as recommended by your owner’s manual. But definitely replace immediately if cracked or damaged.
Transmission Fluid
Avoid costly transmission damage or replacement! Check the transmission fluid according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Front/Rear Differential
Your differential splits the power, or torque, from the engine and sends it to the tires. If you have a front or rear wheel drive vehicle, there is only one differential. For all-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles there is a front and rear differential. You could even have a center differential.
Just like the other parts of your vehicle, the differential(s) need proper lubrication. Get it inspected by our service department and change the fluid per manufacturer instructions.
Transfer Case Fluid
For all-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case shifts power from the transmission to the axles. Check the transfer case fluid to make sure it’s leak-free and properly filled. It’s recommended to have a service professional perform this job.
Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs aren’t functioning optimally, the engine will lose power and won’t run properly. Have a professional check your spark plugs and replace as necessary or per the recommendations in your owner’s manual.
Shocks and Struts
An essential part of your vehicle’s steering system, shocks and struts control the impact and rebound when your vehicle passes over bumps in the road. Get them checked every 50,000 miles. If you notice a decrease in smoothness, or worse, a loss of control when driving, bring it in to have it serviced.
Coolant Fluid Exchange
Having your coolant system regularly flushed will help to rid it of contaminants that build up inside. It also ensures that your radiator is filled to the proper level. Check your owner’s manual for how often this should be performed.
Follow the path of other successful Harrisonburg used car owners. Take a little time here and there and keep your vehicle running like a top well into old age.
When you’re ready to buy a quality used car, turn to the Harrisonburg used car dealership, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our excellent customer service will help you to find the right vehicle for your lifestyle!
If you want to maximize your car’s life (and who doesn’t?) every used car owner knows you need short term and long-term checkups. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle way into old age.
Yes, it takes a little bit of effort, but it is so worth it. Not only will your car perform better over its life but if you decide to sell it, you can ask top dollar for it!
Here’s what we recommend for short term checkups:
Air Filter
Because your air filter regulates air flow to your engine, you want to make sure that your air filter is doing its job properly. Check to make sure it’s keeping out debris and particulates. Doing so will increase fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and help to ensure the life of your engine. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Oil and Coolant Levels
Every few gas fill-ups—especially if you’re taking a longer road trip—inspect both the oil and coolant levels. You want to perform the check when the engine is cool. Low oil and coolant levels left unchecked can lead to engine problems.
Oil & Oil Filter
Keeping your oil clean is vital to your engine’s good health. It performs a multitude of functions from the lubrication of moving parts, acting as a sealant against dirt and debris, to cooling the engine (mentioned above), all of which, reduces engine wear and tear and preventing engine corrosion.
How often should you change your oil and oil filter? That depends on your driving habits and what your owner’s manual recommends.
Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
It goes without saying that well-maintained tires are integral to safe driving! But it’s also important for fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure monthly and before you travel. Carrying an extra load? Check your tire pressure. Remember, during cold months, tire pressure drops one pound with every 10 degree drop in pressure. That’s why a seasonal check is good, too.
Rotate Tires
A good way to extend the life of your tires is to have them regularly rotated. This will help to balance out tread wear, helping to prevent vibration and noise problems. Tread wear patterns can vary from back and front tires, another reason for regular rotation.
Headlights, Parking Lights, Brake and Turn Signals
Visually inspect your vehicle at least once per month, including those easy-to-overlook items like turn signals, brakes, parking lights and headlights.
Wax Your Used Car
Waxing your car every six months doesn’t just keep it shiny. It helps to keep the paint in good shape and reduces the chance of rust. Environmental factors like UV lights and ozone light as well as the usual suspects of dust, salt, and sand can cause microscopic damage. Waxing can help minimize damage with a protective seal.
Now for those long-term checkups:
Serpentine Belt
This essential belt powers your alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor. Make sure there are not cracks or any other sign of wear and tear. Replace as recommended by your owner’s manual. But definitely replace immediately if cracked or damaged.
Transmission Fluid
Avoid costly transmission damage or replacement! Check the transmission fluid according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Front/Rear Differential
Your differential splits the power, or torque, from the engine and sends it to the tires. If you have a front or rear wheel drive vehicle, there is only one differential. For all-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles there is a front and rear differential. You could even have a center differential.
Just like the other parts of your vehicle, the differential(s) need proper lubrication. Get it inspected by our service department and change the fluid per manufacturer instructions.
Transfer Case Fluid
For all-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case shifts power from the transmission to the axles. Check the transfer case fluid to make sure it’s leak-free and properly filled. It’s recommended to have a service professional perform this job.
Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs aren’t functioning optimally, the engine will lose power and won’t run properly. Have a professional check your spark plugs and replace as necessary or per the recommendations in your owner’s manual.
Shocks and Struts
An essential part of your vehicle’s steering system, shocks and struts control the impact and rebound when your vehicle passes over bumps in the road. Get them checked every 50,000 miles. If you notice a decrease in smoothness, or worse, a loss of control when driving, bring it in to have it serviced.
Coolant Fluid Exchange
Having your coolant system regularly flushed will help to rid it of contaminants that build up inside. It also ensures that your radiator is filled to the proper level. Check your owner’s manual for how often this should be performed.
Follow the path of other successful Harrisonburg used car owners. Take a little time here and there and keep your vehicle running like a top well into old age.
When you’re ready to buy a quality used car, turn to the Harrisonburg used car dealership, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our excellent customer service will help you to find the right vehicle for your lifestyle!
