It is 5:30, you’re on the highway on your way home, thinking about what you’re going to eat for dinner, listening to the radio advertise about St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair Inc and all of a sudden brake lights…you slow to a stop and now you’re stuck!
Going to and from work on the highway every day, constant road trips, picking up the kids and general heavy traffic not only beats you up, it wears your car down. How exactly that happens, or how long it takes for it to be a problem, all are dependent upon the “severe conditions” you subject your vehicle to without proper maintenance.
Engine Maintenance
While you’re stuck in traffic on a constant basis, all of that gridlock is going to cause damage to your engine, there are a few minor things you can do to prevent this damage; staying on top of your vehicles tune-ups including checking sparkplugs, even if you are not putting the kms on your vehicle they are still working overtime. Don’t forget to check your coolant to prevent overheating, making sure that your thermostat is in good working order and keeping an eye on your temperature gauge to watch for overheating. Putting your car in neutral (or park if you are stopped for a long period of time!) will also help the engine from overheating. You also need to be sure that you are getting oil changes and changing the air filter more often if you are driving in traffic majority of the time, keeping your vehicle clean and healthy will prolong its use.
Brakes
Be sure to check your brakes regularly, every time your car gets an oil change at St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair Inc, ask them to check and service your brakes. It’s always good to remember to reduce your speed and increase the space between you and the car in front of you in traffic, this will reduce the amount of braking as well as the stress put on brakes altogether and ultimately yourself.
Tires
Everyone knows when your tires is starting to look flat it needs air or to be changed however the more driving you do the more you need to check your tires on a consistent basis. Checking your tire pressure can help to optimize tire performance and fuel cost (especially useful with the increasing gas prices!) It also helps the tire responsiveness, traction and handling. Checking your tire pressure is pretty easy but if you’re uneasy, bring it to St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair Inc. just to be sure!
For many people, dealing with stop-and-go traffic is almost inevitable, but that doesn’t mean that you and your car have to suffer because of it. There are also a few little things you can do to prevent issues while you’re stuck in traffic; check windshield washers and fluid, ensure you get gas when you need it so you don’t run out and finally pack some snacks for the long road ahead!
Stay safe and stay calm,
St. Amand Auto & Truck Repair Inc. family
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