Cassels Garage

Car Maintenance for the Holiday Season: 2 Things to Know

Published on December 23, 2022

When it comes to the holiday season nobody wants their car to break down. This means that you should always be looking under the hood this time of year to ensure that your ride is in tip-top shape. In order to ensure that everything is running smoothly there are 2 car maintenance things you should keep an eye out for.

Before you get on the road this holiday season check out these 2 common car parts for wear and tear. First, check on your tires to ensure there is enough tread left on them. Second, here in Florida make sure your engine oil is carefully checked and changed.

Here at Cassels Garage, we pride ourselves on providing the best auto service in Brevard County. If for any reason you need some maintenance done on your car or you are on the fence about if your car is roadworthy or not then I highly suggest you reach out to us by clicking here!

1.) How To Check To See If There Is Tread Left On Your Tires

One of the main things that you should watch out for on your car is how much tread is left on your tires. This is because one of the most common problems we see with cars starts with the tires losing their tread. Luckily for us, there is a simple at-home test you can do to see how much tread is left on your tire; the penny test.

The penny test is a simple and easy way to check the tread depth on your tires. It is a quick and convenient method that you can use at home to determine if your tires need to be replaced. To do this test there are 3 things you must do.

  1. Take a penny and hold it upside down with the head facing downward.
  2. Find a groove in the tread of one of your tires and insert the penny into it.
  3. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. If the top of his head is covered by the tread, your tires still have sufficient tread depth.

You should do this penny test here in Brevard about once a month. Not only will this allow you to see how much ‘tire’ you are using but it will also allow you to guess at how effective your tires are.

In addition to using the penny test, you can also use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth on your tires. This is a tool that is specifically designed to measure the tread depth, and it typically has a small metal probe that you insert into the groove of the tire tread.

The penny test is an effective way to see if your tires are good to go for this holiday season. So long as you can’t see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head then your tires are good to go.

2.) Make Sure Your Oil Is Ready for the Holidays

Another part of your car that should be maintained for the holiday season is the engine of your car. To ensure that your engine is being properly maintained make sure to look at and change your car’s oil frequently.

There are a few ways to determine if your oil is still good to go:

  1. Check the oil level: One of the easiest ways to determine if your oil is still good is to simply check the oil level. If the oil level is low, it could be a sign that the oil is dirty or has broken down, and it may need to be replaced. To check the oil level, locate the dipstick under the hood of your car and pull it out. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and reinsert it fully. Then, pull it out again and check the oil level. If it is at or near the full mark, your oil is still good. If it is significantly below the full mark, it may be time to add more oil or have the oil changed.
  2. Look at the oil’s color and consistency: Another way to determine if your oil is still good is to visually inspect it. Fresh oil should be a golden or amber color, while dirty or degraded oil may appear darker or more cloudy. You can also check the consistency of the oil by feeling it between your fingers. If the oil is thick and gummy, it may be time to replace it.
  3. Check the oil change interval: Most vehicles have a recommended oil change interval, which is the maximum amount of time or distance that you can drive before the oil needs to be replaced. This interval can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive. If you are unsure of the recommended oil change interval for your vehicle, you can check your owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic.

In general, it is important to regularly check your oil level and quality to ensure that your engine is properly lubricated and protected. By keeping your oil clean and fresh, you can help extend the life of your engine and improve its overall performance.

By changing and checking your oil frequently you can make sure that your car is ready for the holiday season and good to drive around Brevard.

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