Tips to Keeping Your Car in Good Shape This January

If you’re like many people, you probably start the new year with some resolutions. These self-improvement goals can include the way you take care of the things you own, including your car. January is a good month to start afresh with the commitment to good car maintenance. Proper upkeep will extend your vehicle’s life and help it to perform up to its capabilities. As you stay on schedule with repairs and tune-ups, you can avoid more expensive work and bigger problems later on.

Change the Oil

Perhaps no type of car maintenance is as regular as getting the oil changed. This service should occur every 3,000 miles in older vehicles and every 5,000 to 6,000 miles in new ones. You can check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to verify how often this should take place. Replacing the oil consistently will ensure that the engine components are well lubricated and work properly. The engine will also be cleaner and free of sludge and other debris. Oil changes will also improve the fuel efficiency of the car and prevent sluggishness. This service will cost between $30 and $100, depending on the type of oil your car needs.

Check the Battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded and feeling frustrated or even a little nervous. In the wintertime, when the weather in Morgantown, WV, is harsh, you certainly don’t have to be in a position where your car won’t start. You can prevent this by ensuring your battery has plenty of life in it. One way to help it function well is to keep it clean. Corrosion can build up on the terminals over time; however, cleaning this buildup is easy and effective. This type of car maintenance can prevent the battery from cracking, too.

Rotate the Tires

The tires on your car will take a lot of abuse. Mile after mile, you depend on your tires to provide good traction and grip the road well. This is especially critical in the winter when the roads can be slippery. As you make a list of car maintenance needs, make sure you take care of this one. Doing so will reduce uneven wear and help the tires to last longer. You will then save money by not having to replace them as often. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles.

Replace the Wiper Blades

Your car maintenance this winter should include inspecting the windshield wipers, particularly the blades. You’ll no doubt depend on the wipers to keep the windshield clean as the snow hits. If the wipers are worn out, it can affect your visibility. Not cleaning the windshield effectively can also damage the glass over time. A new set of wiper blades can cost as little as $30.

When it comes to car maintenance, you need to stay on top of these issues this winter. You can then drive with peace of mind. Bring your vehicle to the service team at Mercedes-Benz of Morgantown in Morgantown, WV, today and keep your car running smoothly.