Your responsibility as an auto owner is just beginning when you drive off the lot. Maintenance of any vehicle is key for any driver wishing to safely travel the streets of Mountlake Terrace, and used cars require special care and attention due to their older age. This makes it vital for responsible drivers to know how to take care of their vehicles, so here’s a small selection of procedures that can help you ensure the roads are safe for yourself and other motorists.
Keep Your Brakes in Good Condition
Putting the brakes on the used cars of Mountlake Terrace. Brake health is vital to a car’s safety. In a situation where fast reflexes are key, a set of healthy brakes can mean the difference between avoiding or creating a collision. Mechanics on most auto lots in Mountlake Terrace will look at your used SUV or used car and make sure the brakes are healthy as you drive it off the lot, but as you continue to use the car you’ll want to look out for signs of natural wear such as a high-pitched grinding or squealing noise during stops, vibration when the brake pedal is applied, or a feeling that the vehicle is pulling to the side.
Use Fresh Tires
Drive your used car or used SUV off the lots of Mountlake Terrace with a fresh set of tires.
Road conditions are good in Mountlake Terrace, but when used cars travel on the most ideal of conditions with overly-worn tires, the results can be disastrous. If tires are worn down even halfway, it can result in puncturing, longer stopping distance, overheating due to increased friction, and hydroplaning in heavy rain. To check the level of wear on your tire, look for bulges, cracks, and damage to the tire’s surface. You can also look for a “tread wear bar,” a small rise in the groove of a tire that indicates when it nears a dangerously-worn state.
Schedule Regular Oil Changes
Keep the used cars of Mountlake Terrace well-lubricated. Clean oil acts as a lubricant for your car’s engine. If not changed regularly, the engine will wear rapidly, eventually seizing up. To avert this, make sure to have your oil changed at set intervals (usually between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.) To do this, you can visit any mechanic or do it yourself using a few tools found at any automotive shop near you. Keep in mind you’ll need to drain the old oil and replace or clean a few parts, so the job will be messy!
You can count on Rich’s Car Corner to sell only the finest in used vehicles, but once you’ve made your purchase it’s up to you to maintain it. It may seem tricky at first, but with practice you’ll have your used car looking and running like new again, ready to serve you for years to come.
