Oil changes, alignments, tire changes – who has the time for that? Like it or not, being a car owner means that you have to keep up with regular maintenance, which can prevent bigger problems from (literally) surfacing down the road. If you aren’t mechanically inclined, that’s no problem – the talented team at Jiffy Lube can handle all aspects of car maintenance. But if you are, there is definitely some maintenance you can do yourself. Either way, here are some car care tips that either you or an expert can (and should) do to prevent your car from developing problems.
Oil Changes
One of the simplest and most effective kinds of car car is the oil change. You can check your car’s oil by checking the dipstick that goes into the oil tank. Just remember that if the engine is cold, you should start it and let it run for about five minutes. Conversely, if it’s hot out, the engine should be allowed to cool off before you attempt an oil change. If you try changing the oil too soon after the car has been moving, you run the risk of getting burned! The oil that comes off of the dipstick should be clear and free of residue. If it’s dark or sludgy, it’s time for an oil change. You can also go by the rule of thumb to change your car’s oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. If you’re not sure how to do an oil change, check out the Tips in a Jiffy series on YouTube.
Tire Checks
Another service that Jiffy offers is tire checks and maintenance. Since they’re the first point of contact with the ground, it’s important that your tires are in good working condition. One simple tire check you can do at home is a tread check to see if your tires’ treads are unevenly worn. One way to do this is by sticking a penny into the tread groove of the tire with President Lincoln’s head facing downwards. If you can see all of the president’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.
Another form of tire maintenance is an alignment. If you notice vibrations when you go over a bump in the road, or if your car pulls noticeably in one direction or another when you’re driving on a straight road, it’s time to get the alignment looked at. You should also get the alignment checked shortly after switching seasonal tires. Along with correcting an alignment, an expert Jiffy Lube mechanic can give you car care tips like checking tire pressure and looking for signs of tire trouble.
Know Your Fluids
If someone were to place windshield wiper fluid, oil, transmission fluid, and radiator fluid in front of you, would you know the difference? Or when to replace them? It can take a long time to get to know your fluids, but you can start with the basics like engine oil, transmission, and coolant fluid. An expert, like you’ll find at Jiffy Lube, can quickly and efficiently show you what each fluid looks like, and when it’s time to change them. An expert Jiffy Lube team can also tell you what problem signs to watch out for, and when it might be time to change one or more fluids.
Either on your own or with the assistance of an expert, it’s crucial that you properly maintain your car. Fortunately, the qualified team at Jiffy Lube is on hand, physically and virtually, to help you understand, diagnose, and prevent your car’s problems.