Beyond The Oil Change: What Else To Have Them Check

Apr 16
07:58

2012

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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An oil change can be just the start of what you need. Have them look beyond the dipstick to know what else may be wrong.

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Having an oil change done is one of the most important things your vehicle needs. When you head in to see your mechanic for that process,Beyond The Oil Change: What Else To Have Them Check Articles though, you may want to ask him or her to do a bit more investigating. Often times, this is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is working the way you want it to and that any repairs necessary are taken care of. Even if you do not plan to have the mechanic do the work right then, it can help to know about what your vehicle may need help with in the coming weeks or months.

What Else to Consider:
As you head in for your oil change, ask your mechanic a few key questions. Ask about the specific concerns and needs you have. You may want to ask which types of oil are best for your vehicle. You should also ask about replacing filters at the same time. In some cases, the mechanic can give you information about how often you should be bringing your vehicle in for these changes. If you are doing so too often or not often enough, it will be evident in the oil's consistency and color.

Aside from the actual oil change, there are a few other things you may want to ask your mechanic to look into while your car is in the shop. Sometimes, it only takes a few extra minutes to have these systems inspected by a professional with a keen eye on the way systems should function and look. The following are some of the most important systems to keep an eye on in most vehicles.

Ask the technician to ensure your brakes are in good working order and do not need any type of replacement or dusting. It is possible to know this through an inspection of the components.

Determine if all belts and hoses are in good working order. There are several ways these professionals can spot problems with these types of components.

You may want them to inspect the tires for leaks, inflation level and for tread wear. By getting an idea of how soon you'll need tires, you can plan for it. You may be able to get an alignment at the same time.

Discuss batteries; exhaust systems and your AC system. Determine if your steering is working properly and ensure any other component you are worried about gets a once over by the pros. By taking these steps during an oil change, you can learn if your vehicle is safe to drive or if it needs any attention paid to it. It may only add a few extra minutes to the process, too.