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Driving in a safe manner
represents only part of the
responsibility of a vehicle
owner. The other part is
maintaining the vehicle in
proper working condition. If
maintenance is consistent, the
odds of breaking down or being
in an accident decrease. As an
added bonus, the vehicle will
last longer and perform more
efficiently.
Here’s a list of key areas to
keep maintained.
Tires grip the road and
give the driver control
over the vehicle.
Excessively worn, bald,
or improperly inflated
tires compromise this
control. Tires should be
rotated and checked for
tire pressure periodically
to prolong their life, avoid
uneven wearing, and
improve fuel economy.
Proper wheel alignment will lead
to longer tire life and better
handling. To check alignment,
lightly touch the steering wheel
while driving on a straight, flat
stretch of road. If the vehicle
pulls to one side, the wheels may
be misaligned.
Wheels should also be balanced.
If out of balance, a pounding or
shaking can be felt through the
steering wheel.
Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing
friction and carrying away excess heat. Oil also captures
dirt and other impurities and transfers them into the oil
filter. Regular oil changes ensure optimum engine
performance.
Additionally, check under the vehicle for fluid leaks. Leaks
should be investigated and fluids should be refilled.
For optimum visibility,
headlights, taillights, directional
signals, and interior lights
should have working bulbs and
remain clean.
In addition, the rearview mirror
mounted inside the vehicle and
the rearview mirrors on each
side of the vehicle’s front doors
should be clean and pointed in
the correct direction.
Both the foot brake and parking
brake should hold the vehicle in
park. To check the foot brake,
lightly touch the steering wheel
and apply the brakes gradually. If
the vehicle swerves, brake
linings may be wearing unevenly,
or the brakes may need
adjustment.
Grinding or squeaking sounds
when applying brakes also signal
brake issues.
The vehicle’s ignition
system is critical. Spark
plugs ignite the air-fuel
mixture. If one or more of
the plugs or plug wires is
worn or malfunctioning,
the engine can misfire and
fuel will remain unburned.
A misfiring engine wastes
fuel, produces more
emissions, and generally
performs poorly.
Belts and hoses should be
checked regularly with periodic
tune-ups. Check under the hood
for cracked or split spark plug
wires, cracked radiator hoses or
loose clamps, and corrosion
around the battery terminals.
These should be replaced.
Desert Sun Auto Group is a leader in automotive services in the greater New
Mexico and West Texas areas. Offering a wide selection of vehicles, Desert Sun
Auto Group makes a priority of customer service and aims to make the car buying
process quick and hassle free. Financing options are available and many credit
levels are accepted.
For more information, and to view our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned
vehicles, visit www.desertsunmotors.com.