Why Regular Car Care is Key: A Helpful Maintenance Guide from Kunes Auto Group

Keeping up with regular vehicle check-ups can save you yourself from hefty repair bills and unwanted roadside headaches. Remember, taking care of your car is a golden rule of owning one.

You've probably heard the phrase, "Prevention is better than cure." This saying applies perfectly to your vehicle. By performing maintenance on a regular schedule, you can keep your four-wheeled friend healthy and reliable. When it's time to say goodbye, your well-looked-after vehicle can fetch a better price with a clear service history. It's like a win-win!

Indeed, vehicle care needs some investment of time and money. But hey, wouldn't it be better to avoid those big repair bills after a sudden breakdown? With Kunes Auto Group, you can easily find out maintenance costs for your vehicle, so there's no surprise when it comes to your budget. Just remember, if you skip regular vehicle maintenance, it might jeopardize your car's warranty!

Even a well-maintained car can face issues that need sudden service. But don't worry, your car will usually give you signs that it's time for a check-up.

You might be familiar with the "check engine" light or "service engine soon" warning on your dashboard. But there are other signs to watch out for, including issues with braking, acceleration changes, vibrations, stalling, fuel efficiency changes, and shifting issues.

Remember, you're the person who knows your car the best. If you notice something different or off, it might be the beginning of a bigger problem.

When you sense your vehicle isn't performing as it should, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local Kunes Service Center technician. Share with them what you're experiencing, and they'll help you figure out what's going on.

What exactly happens during maintenance? Well, it's all about checking and replacing crucial things at the right time.

First, we need to ensure that your car's fluids - are at the correct levels. This includes brake and power steering fluid, the oil filter radiator coolant, and engine oil. Keeping these at the right levels is key for a smooth and safe ride.

Next, we check essential safety components, like brake pads and windshield wipers. As they wear out over time, it's important to replace them to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.

The engine of your car is a wonderous machine, a symphony of many interconnected parts. For it to perform at its best, we need to do more than just look after its fluids.

Regular engine maintenance includes replacing spark plugs and drive belts, checking timing belts or chains, and changing air and fluid filters. All these steps are vital in spotting any problems early on and keeping your engine humming happily.

Remember, even if your car gives small signs of trouble, don't ignore them. These little hints might be the early warning signs of a potential big issue.

It's always a good idea to follow the instructions given by your vehicle's owner's manual. You can usually find these in the car's owner's manual. (These days, many manufacturers provide the manual online, so check their website if you can't find a physical copy.)

At a minimum, you should get your car inspected by a skilled mechanic every three months. Remember, this is just a baseline - your car might need more frequent check-ups depending on its age, usage, and specific model.

In some states, you'll also need to get your car inspected for emissions or safety requirements. This is typically needed to renew your vehicle registration annually. Note that these checks are specific to exhaust or essential safety standards and don't cover the overall health of your car.

Continue reading for more details about how to care for and maintain your car.

Car maintenance is similar to maintaining your health - both require proactive measures! At Kunes Auto Group, we've created a simple car care checklist to ensure your vehicle remains in peak condition and continues to run smoothly for countless miles. This guide is here to show you what maintenance tasks need to be done and give you an idea of when to do them, so your car stays happy and works great.

Remember, different types of vehicles need different types of care, just like people! So, make sure to follow the vehicle owner's manual, no matter how many miles you're driving each year.

• When your car's "check engine" light is on – This little yellow light is your car's way of telling you that it might be feeling a bit sick. Don't worry, there's no need to panic! But don't wait too long to take it to the car doctor, aka our Kunes Service Center. Never try to turn off the "check engine" light without finding out why it's on. Our professional technicians can use special tests to figure out what's wrong.

   

• Headlights/taillights issues – If a light on your car goes out, it could be a problem with the fuse. If changing the fuse doesn't fix it, you'll need to replace the light. Remember, driving with a light out isn't safe and you could get a ticket.

   

• Low tire pressure alert – Your car's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is like its personal health monitor. It will tell you if the air in a tire is too low. Driving with low air pressure isn't safe, so make sure to fill your tires with air right away.

Having a healthy, well-performing car doesn't just happen by chance. It comes from sticking to a routine car care schedule. This maintenance guide from Kunes Auto Group will help you know what tasks need to be done every month to keep your car running like new.

** Remember, the care your car needs can change depending on the type and model. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance plan from your vehicle's owner's manual, whether you're driving a few miles or a few hundred miles each year. **

• Fog lights, turn signals, brakes, and parking lights – Just like you'd check your home lights, you should check your car lights. It's easy to see when a headlight is out, but other lights might not be so clear. So, make a habit of taking a monthly walk around your car to check all the lights.
• Oil and coolant levels – Just as you need water to stay hydrated, your car needs oil and coolant. Make sure to check these levels once a month when the engine is cool. And remember, always top up before heading out on a long trip.
• Tire pressure and tread depth – Your tires are the shoes of your car, and they need to be in good shape for safe driving. Regularly check your tires (including the spare one) for uneven wear, right air pressure, and good tread depth. A simple penny can help you check the tread depth. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered, your tires still have enough tread.
• Windshield washer fluid – Driving with a dirty windshield is like trying to see through a dusty window. So, make sure your wiper fluid reservoir always has enough fluid.

At Kunes Auto Group, we're here to help keep your car running smoothly with these easy, monthly check-ups. Follow this monthly car maintenance schedule, and your car will thank you!

Here's a list of things you should check on your car every three months. Following this guide will help keep your car running smoothly and save you from unexpected repair costs down the road.

** Remember, different cars need different types of care, so make sure to follow the specific vehicle maintenance schedule for your car, no matter how much or how little you drive. **

• Battery and cables – Make sure your car battery and cables are snug and clean. Look out for signs like corrosion or leaking fluid.

   

• Belts and hoses – Check the engine's belts. They shouldn't look shiny, cracked, or frayed. Also, check the hoses. They shouldn't leak or have any cracks or bulges.

   

• Power steering fluid – The power steering fluid helps you turn your car smoothly. Check the level when the engine is warm and add more if needed.

   

• Wiper blades – Wiper blades are like your car's windshield cleaners. Worn out wiper blades can be unsafe as they reduce visibility when it rains. Inspect them every season and replace them if they're damaged or can't clear the windshield properly.

At Kunes Auto Group Service Center, we're your partners in car care. Stick with our 3-month check-up guide, and you will feel confident with a smooth, reliable ride every time you hit the road!

Kunes Auto Group is here to make sure your vehicle runs its best for as long as possible. Here's our easy-to-follow 6-month check-up guide that tells you what jobs should be done every six months to keep your car in top shape.

** Remember, different cars need different care. So, always follow your specific vehilce maintenance schedule, no matter if you drive a little or a lot every year. **

• Tire rotation – Think of rotating tires like changing seats to get a different view. It helps your tires last longer by evening out the wear and can help stop issues like noises or vibrations. But, be sure to check your car's manual first because some tires and wheels have special rotation rules.

   

• Car wax – Like using sunscreen, waxing your car protects it from harm. Washing your car often and adding a coat of wax twice a year helps keep your car looking new and safe from rust.

   

• Exhaust system – Your exhaust system is like your car's way of breathing. If there's any damage, or if the muffler is noisy, get it fixed.

   

• Battery check – Your car battery is like the heart of your car because it won't start without it. Once your car battery hits three years old, get it tested twice a year at an auto parts store.

   

• Chassis lubrication – Just like you would oil a squeaky door, your car's chassis, steering, and suspension systems might need oiling. Check your car's manual to see if they need regular oiling.

Kunes Auto Group Service Center is here to help keep your car running smoothly with this handy 6-month check-up guide. Stick to the plan, and your car will keep running like a dream!

Did you know that keeping your car running smoothly and extending its life is our mission at Kunes Auto Group Service Center? Following these steps every year will ensure your car stays in great shape.

** Don't forget, different car models need different care schedules. So, be sure to stick to your car's specific maintenance routine, no matter your yearly driving distance. **

Air filters – Just like we need clean air to breathe, your car needs clean air too. The cabin air filter keeps the air inside your car clean and should be replaced every year. The engine air filter keeps junk and motor oil out of your engine and should be checked when you change the oil.

Brakes – Check the whole brake system every year, including the brake fluid, brake linings, rotors, and brake pads. How long brake pads last mostly depends on how you drive.

Shocks and struts check – If your car's ride isn't as smooth as it used to be, it might be time to have a pro look at your shocks and struts. These parts are key to your car's steering and should be checked by an expert.

Coolant and antifreeze – Change this every year. And after driving 60,000 miles, have the coolant and the whole cooling system flushed.

Stick to this yearly car care plan from Kunes Auto Group, and you'll help ensure your car runs smoothly and reliably for years to come!

At Kunes Auto Group, we're committed to helping your vehicle go the distance. Our easy-to-follow, biennial (every two years) car care checklist is designed to maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your vehicle.

** Please note, your car's make and model can affect when it needs certain services. So, always stick to your vehicle's specific maintenance protocol, no matter your annual mileage. **

• Ignition system – Top-notch spark plugs, wires, coils, and other electric bits can last up to a whopping 100,000 miles. Yet, start checking spark plugs at the 30,000-mile mark. If your car starts roughly or struggles to start, the plugs might be starting to wear out.

   

• Transmission fluid – Keep a close eye on your transmission fluid levels, topping up when necessary. If you have a manual car, expect to change this fluid between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. For automatic cars, this change happens between 30,000 and 100,000 miles.

   

• Fuel filter – Car manufacturers have different advice on when to replace the fuel filter. However, some suggest doing this at the 30,000-mile mark.

By following this biennial checklist from Kunes Auto Group, you're taking big steps toward keeping your vehicle on the road for longer, performing at its best. Remember, regular maintenance is the key to vehicle longevity!

When you use these checklists from Kunes Auto Group, you can help your car last longer and work better. These maintenance guides show you just how important it is to have regular check-ups for your car. At Kunes Auto Group, we're always here to make sure your car stays in top shape. When your car is well-cared-for, you're a happy driver. When your vehicle needs service, come visit us and see how we make taking care of your car easy!