Spending just a few minutes inspecting your car a few times a year can prevent a lot of issues. If you’ve never learned about car inspections you can do yourself, it’s pretty easy. We do recommend doing it with the help of another person, but if that’s not possible, you can do it yourself.
Exterior Visual Inspection
Walk around your car, look at all the lights. Is the plastic cover secure? Do you notice water inside any of the lights? Water is an issue that means something isn’t properly attached and you may need a mechanic to fix. Also look for cracks or breaks in your wiper blades. If you notice either, replace them.
Also take a penny and insert Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread. If the tread doesn’t reach his forehead or eyes, you may need new tires. Doing this regularly can help you plan for new tires rather than having your licensed mechanic doing your tire rotation that they can not longer rotate the tires for safety reasons.
Light Check
The next check is easier with a helper as they can tell you what they’re seeing. If you don’t have someone who can help, pull your car as close to a solid wall or garage door as possible and do it near dark. You should turn on your headlights, high beams, turn signals and depress your brakes and check that they are all working. If not, head to your automotive center and get the right replacement bulbs or let your licensed mechanic handle it.
Fluid Check
A while ago we blogged about your car’s fluids. If you missed it, click here. Keeping them at the right level and clean is essential to your car. When you check them a few times a year, you can proactively top them off or have the system flushed before there’s a catastrophic issue with your car.
Car Inspections Don’t Take the Place of Regular Maintenance
Your car inspections should never take the place of regular maintenance by a licensed mechanic. Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines for automotive maintenance in addition to the recommendations above. If you realize you need maintenance or something repaired you discovered during your inspection, our ASE certified mechanics will provide you with a full and honest assessment of your car’s needs and professionally handle the work. Come by Oldsmar Automotive at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call (727) 784-3501 for an appointment.
Leave a Reply