At-Home Preventative Maintenance

For many of us, our car is a second home, and if we care for our car in the same way we care for our house, we can extend the lifetime value by thousands of miles. All owners of used or certified pre-owned cars should check this list for basic, important preventative maintenance.

At Sansone Auto, we encourage New Jersey drivers to learn the basics of car care and take advantage of our expert knowledge by booking an appointment with our service and parts center for their advanced maintenance needs on several car models.

maintenance

Windshield Wipers and Fluid

An easy item to maintain is your windshield wiper and the washer fluid system, which ensures you always have a clear view of the path ahead. Order new windshield wiper arms from our Sansone Auto parts center and replace them regularly when they start leaving smudges, and always top off your windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Engine Oil and Air Filters

Most drivers know that maintaining your engine oil is important, but depending on your experience, time, and budget, you may want to schedule oil change service with our professionals.

To check your oil, park your car on a level surface, and use a paper towel or rag to check the level, color, and texture in three easy steps when the oil is cool.

  1. Lift the car hood and locate the oil dipstick.
  2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe with a cloth, then re-insert and pull again. Check that the oil level is at the appropriate mark, that the color is light and somewhat translucent, then rub a small amount on your fingers to feel for a silky-smooth texture.
  3. If your oil is low, dark in color, or gritty in texture, it's time to change your engine oil as soon as possible.

While you have the hood up, you can also check your cabin and engine air filters. We find that while this is an easy step, most car owners do not replace their filters as frequently as is recommended.

Tire Pressure and Tread

Do you know the proper tire pressure recommendation for your car? A simple gauge can tell you whether it’s time to add air and should be checked regularly along with your tire tread. Shop for new tires at any of our New Jersey car dealerships when the tread is worn to keep everyone safe on the road.

Contact us to today learn more about keeping your used or certified pre-owned car in top condition.