End of Year Car Checkup Checklist!
If It Drives, We Can Fix It.
If you’re diligent with car maintenance schedule, then you probably already know how vital vehicle upkeep is. Every certain number of miles, all kinds of vehicles, from cars to motorcycles to buses, must be checked by your local automotive shop. This kind of car checkup is preventive. Your local car mechanic can identify potential problems before they weigh heavily on your car’s performance—and your wallet.
The end of the year approaches, the holidays are imminent, and you’re bound to forget to check your car for repairs. No one wants to start a brand-new year with car trouble after all the holiday spending. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, October through December have the highest ratio of traffic accidents compared to the rest of the year. Whether that’s due to increasing traffic jams and last-minute errands, it’s crucial to ensure your car is in tip-top condition before hitting the roads this winter.
Don’s Automotive Shops has created a list of essential car checkup must-do’s before the year ends. Enjoy the holiday season in peace. We want you to be safe on the road, reduce your chances of causing vehicle accidents or car breakdowns, and save money on unexpected damages.
Car Checkup Checklist
The best part about vehicle inspection and maintenance is that you don’t have to take care of it yourself. Automotive professionals like Don’s Automotive Shop will ensure your car checkups year-round with their inspection service. However, if you want to make sure your car should come in for a tune-up before the holidays end, here are some basic things to look out for. This car maintenance checklist will give you an idea on what to look out for this season.
Identify physical or operational damages.
Sometimes, looking at the outside of your vehicle with a quick inspection will help you identify things that need to be repaired. Flat tires or loose parts that might be detached from the undercarriage are easy to spot. If you take your car out for a spin, be alert for any sound that might seem out of place or clunky.
Check your lights.
When water and humidity cover our headlights, they can get foggy. This can be dangerous when driving at night and during rainy or snowy days. Always check your front and rear lights and ensure your blinkers are working correctly.
Check your oil, coolant levels, and filter.
This is a basic car checkup checklist item. By regularly checking your oil levels and the quality of your filter, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid breakdowns on the road. A sudden drop in your coolant and oil levels might indicate a leak.
Test the battery.
Car batteries tend to die out on us when we least expect them. Make sure your battery is in optimal condition. If you run into bad luck and your battery needs to be replaced, check your manufacturer’s warranty, and you might get a nice discount for a new one.
Check your tire pressure.
With a tire gauge, you can check that your tire pressure is optimal for your vehicle type. Always inspect your tires for scrapes, balding, bubbling, or visible slashes or punctures. If you plan on going somewhere snowy, swap your regular tires for winter tires!
Keep your gas tank full.
With rising gas prices, we know it’s tempting to make the most out of your gas tank, but with the holidays approaching, emergencies can happen. Make sure to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car; you never know when you have to make a sudden or long trip.
Inspect your brakes.
Good breaks are the only thing standing between you and an accident. Yearly car checkups usually take care of your brake inspection, but it’s always a good idea to have your auto repair shop look at it before the end of the year. You might run into problems with your brake fluid or you might need a replacement.
Replace your windshield wipers.
You want to avoid dealing with visibility issues during the winter. Make sure you purchase a new set if your old wipers start to wear down. It can save you many headaches in the upcoming months.Car Checkup is Essential
Traffic accidents are rising, and car crashes tend to skyrocket during the busy end-of-the-year season. Make sure you’re up-to-date on your automobile maintenance and inspect your car for possible damages that might become a problem if they’re not fixed. It’s always important to keep yourself safe during the holiday season.Leave the rest to Don's Automotive Shop!
Get in touch with us, so we can start analyzing your car and find solutions to get you back on the road without a problem.
