What to Do Between Service Appointments to Keep Your Car Running Strong

The local auto repair center is always ready to provide professional service ranging from regular maintenance to important repairs. The time owners spend between shop visits is just as important as the work done at the shop. There are many factors that contribute to automobile wear and many ways the owner is able to keep performance at its peak. Look through the following tips for keeping a vehicle running strong between shop visits.

Driving Habits

Improving driving habits will help increase component longevity and boost fuel economy. Avoiding hard acceleration and braking as well as hard turns are among the most important factors. Allowing a vehicle to warm up for at least 15 seconds and driving more smoothly until it is warmed up will also have a huge effect on engine life. Although it’s not commonly a problem, overloading a vehicle will negatively affect the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension, as well as decrease the effectiveness of the brakes.

Tire Care

The tires may seem as if they are just another set of wear items that aren’t cheap to replace, but they play one of the most essential roles throughout a vehicle. They also alert the driver to problems elsewhere in the vehicle—usually the suspension. Regularly checking the air pressure and tread level of tires will ensure they provide proper traction and don’t leave the driver in a dangerous situation.

Proper Fuel

Going to the gas station to fuel up shouldn’t be a complicated task, but using the wrong type of fuel has the potential to cause engine trouble. While the average vehicle does not require premium gasoline, there are many that do. Putting a lower octane gasoline than required in a vehicle will cause engine knock. This symptom is the result of the gasoline prematurely igniting under high pressure. Over time it can cause serious damage to the engine and other components, but avoiding this problem is as easy as checking the owner’s manual for the vehicle.

Practicing good habits like these will ensure that the regular maintenance visits are the only type you will have to make at Murray’s Auto Clinics. Visit our website to learn about our entire range of services, or call us at 301-585-7557.