Take care of your car, and the rest will be easy. Here are ten tips we've learned in 38 years of keeping McKinney drivers on the road.
Tip 1: Check and change the oil
No single step helps an engine last more than regular oil and filter changes. Nothing destroys an engine faster than neglecting oil-level checks or fresh-oil changes.
Tip 2: Flush the cooling system once a year
Change coolant once a year. A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water keeps the cooling system in good shape and prevents corrosion and deposits from building up.
Tip 3: Change transmission and differential oils
These fluids don't need frequent service, but they must be changed according to the manufacturer's service intervals. Always use transmission fluid or gear oil of the recommended type and viscosity.
Tip 4: Keep the underside clean
Washing the outside is obvious, but most everything the vehicle drives over ends up stuck to the underside. Hosing off winter salt and road grime is a good habit.
Tip 5: Grease anything that moves
Everything with moving parts needs grease to survive. A ball joint that's neglected goes into early retirement from poor lubrication.
Tip 6: Wax the paint
Nothing keeps paint looking good and protected like a coat of quality wax. Apply wax at least every six months.
Tip 7: Lubricate driveline components
Driveline components such as u-joints also require regular lubrication. The driveline may have to be removed to access the zerk grease fitting.
Tip 8: Protect the interior from UV
Park in the shade, use a window deflector screen, and apply a UV protectant to keep the plastic and vinyl from drying out.
Tip 9: Repack wheel bearings
Inspect, clean, and repack wheel bearings with wheel-bearing grease according to service intervals. Bearings and grease are inexpensive compared to spindle and hub replacement — or a wheel rolling down the road ahead of you.
Tip 10: Bleed the brake system yearly
Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it attracts moisture, and moisture causes components to corrode and fail. Replace fluid and bleed the system once a year. Brake fluid is cheap; calipers, hoses, and sensors are expensive.
Questions about any of these tips? Call us at (972) 562-8500 — Mike or one of the ASE-certified mechanics will answer.