Ten Tips for Car Care

Follow this 10-point checklist for safety, dependability and fuel economy.

• Tire Care: If you have winter tires, it's time to store them away. If you don't have winter tires, it's equally important to have all-season tires rotated or switched out for new ones.
• Brakes: After a blistering winter, be sure to check your brakes. Warning signs include excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter.
• Wiper Blades: Wipers work hard over the winter months wiping away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them in the spring before April showers make it difficult to see.
• Clean the Underbody: In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up, which can lead to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best results.
• Apply a Protectant: Any vinyl surface, such as the seats and the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun damage, and fading -- so be sure to apply a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.
• Change Your Oil: Give some thought to the kind of motor oil you have in your engine. Fully synthetic oils are specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather, while optimizing your engine's efficiency and performance.
• Check All Fluids: In the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid.
• Pressure Test: Assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.
• Interior Clean-Up: Vacuum and be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats over the winter. Now is also the time to store your winter car mats in the garage.
• Wash Your Car: All vehicles regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car's shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.

For more information on vehicle maintenance visit www.mobiloil.com