Guess what, Brevard County residents! You don’t have to be the car expert in your family because Cassels Garage has the knowledge, skill, and expertise to get you on the road no matter the issue. As your go-to, full-service auto repair and maintenance shop in Melbourne, FL, for over 50 years, we believe every car owner should know a few simple things about their vehicles. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the three maintenance basics every car owner should know.
Checking the Engine Oil
Oil changes are one of the most common maintenance tasks that you will need to perform for your vehicle. Most models should have an oil change every three months or three thousand miles. In between your regularly scheduled oil changes, you can check your engine oil to ensure that it has not become too low or dirty.
Checking your engine oil is quick and easy. Most newer makes and models have an electronic monitoring system that will remind you that it is time to schedule an oil change. Whether your car has an electronic monitoring system or not, we think it’s a good idea to know how to check the engine oil yourself.
After you have parked the vehicle on a level surface, open the hood of your car and remove the dipstick. While location varies, the dipstick typically is located to the left of the engine. The handles stand out with a yellow or orange handle, making it easy to spot. After removing the dipstick, you will want to clean it off with a rag to ensure a proper reading. Once the dipstick is clean, fully reinsert the dipstick into the tube and let it rest for a few seconds. Slowly withdraw the dipstick and check that the oil level is at an acceptable level. If the level is low, you can add the engine oil or bring it to Cassels Garage.
Adding Windshield Wiper Fluid
Summer love bugs… need we say more? It is crucial that you can see out of your front windshield, and running empty on windshield wiper fluid is not safe. Adding wiper fluid is an easy task, and one every car owner should know how to do.
The fluid reservoir is toward the backside of the engine close to the windshield. Look for a transparent container and check to see if it’s dry. If so, open your windshield wiper fluid bottle and fill the reservoir. Pretty simple!
Gauging Tire Pressure
Last but not least, you should know how to check the pressure of your tires. The right amount of inflation keeps your vehicle safe on the road. This one’s a lot like Goldilocks. You want the inflation pressure just right. For this task, you will need a tire pressure gauge, which can be found at any auto parts seller.
Begin by removing the cap from your tire’s valve stem. Place the gauge on top of the open area, press firmly, and wait for the reading. Compare what the pressure gauge says to your tire’s manufacturer recommendation.
- If the reading is within an acceptable range, you are good to go!
- Low Reading: Add more air to the tire.
- High Reading: Release air from the tire.
Serving Your Car Maintenance Needs
Car ownership is a beautiful thing, and with the proper care and maintenance, your vehicle will serve you well for years to come. Cassels Garage is always here to assist you with any questions or problems regarding your vehicle. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to see you safe and happy on the road.
