Experience Worry Free Driving With a Car Maintenance Checklist from Kia Near Tampa Bay

May 9, 2013

As the warmer weather of spring and summer approach, it’s a great time to consider whether your car is in need of any maintenance tasks. Keeping up with the car maintenance needs of your vehicle offers a worry free drive and ensures you are as safe as possible on the roads. Here are several items from your Tampa Bay area Kia dealer to check before the weather gets uncomfortably hot:

Engine Fluids

Your vehicle needs an oil change every 3,000 to 8,000 miles, depending what you drive. Older vehicles needed oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but modern vehicles tend to go 6,000 to 8,000 miles before they need an oil change. Check your owner’s manual to find out the particular oil change schedule for your car and keep up with it. Don’t forget the oil filter, too.

Before driving your car, while the engine is still cold, check the level of your coolant. The tank will indicate the fill-line, and this is where your coolant should be. If you don’t have enough coolant, add some to ensure your car is not at risk of overheating. Check your vehicle’s owner manual for adding coolant as some cars require a mix of coolant with water.

The transmission, power steering and brake fluid should all be checked, too. If any of the fluids are below the recommended level, add more for optimum performance.

Hoses and Belts

If you can’t remember the last time your accessory drive belts were checked for fraying, cracking or general wear and tear – it’s probably time to schedule an appointment to have them checked. Coolant hoses should also be checked to ensure they aren’t too soft or showing signs of leakage. Call your Tampa Bay area Kia service department to schedule a checkup and maintenance on any of the hoses and belts as necessary.

Brakes

If you think your car is in need of new brakes, schedule an appointment to have them checked and replaced immediately. Your vehicle’s brakes are your first line of defense to avoid car accidents. You might notice it takes longer to slow down than it used to, or your steering wheel may shake when you slow down. These are all warning signs that your brakes need replacing. If you hear grinding or the sound of metal on metal, you may also need new rotors.

Tires

Take a look at all of your tires to check how much tread remains. If the tread is less than 1/8 of an inch, it’s time for new tires. If the tread looks good, you should probably rotate your tires as it should be done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles driven.