SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — With all of the damage that is done to your car during the winter months, the guys down at Jeffs in Shippenville wanted to give you these tips to help take care of your vehicle.
The Suspension Is Killing Me
Hey, nice lane assist technology! Too bad your steering components might be damaged and compromising it. The cold weather and road salt wreak havoc on bushings and rubber seals exposed in the undercarriage. This can cause loose linkage and ineffective suspension. Check for extra play underneath, as well as shock absorber condition which can take a beating from all those fresh potholes.
Old and Tired
Speaking of potholes, give your tires a once over because they suffer too. Check for rim damage, irregular wear and tread depth. Remember that rainy season is around the corner, and you want to go in prepared.
Wiped Out Springtime Vehicle Tune-Up Checklist
Ah yes, the rain. You’ll also want to make sure your wiper blades are in fighting condition. They can often become damaged cleaning off sleet and ice and end up doing a better job smudging than clearing. These are easy to replace and make a huge difference.
Inspector: Gadgets
You might have all the latest gadgets and assists and auto-everything and cameras galore, but they aren’t going to be good for anything unless you take care of them. Much like suspension components, these components (many of them sensors) and electrical connectors suffer mightily from salt and freezing temperatures. A dirty sensor isn’t going to do its job properly and a corroded electrical connection is going to cause all sorts of gremlins and misreadings to pop up. Do yourself a favor and give these a visual inspection and make sure they’re clean.
So Clean, Clean
While you’re at it, clean everything! Inside and outside alike. Getting all the grim off will stave off rust and premature wear to components, and at the same time, you’ll be able to get a better look at any potential problems. And cleaning your car’s interior will improve air quality before mold has a chance to take hold.
Brake Time
Assisted braking and ABS are literal lifesavers, but brake components can corrode and rust, and rubber lines and seals can be compromised resulting in leaks or brake fluid contamination. Check calipers for smooth piston movement, rotors for rust and pads for thickness. Peek in the master to make sure your fluid doesn’t need to be topped off or flushed.
Light Up
Now’s also a good time to make sure all your headlights, taillights, parking lights and turn signals are working as expected. Bulbs are another easy fix that make a huge difference. Not only are they integral to safety, but it can also help you avoid getting pulled over.
Jeff’s Performance Plus is one of 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations and will diagnose the issue and have your vehicle back in shape in no time. Jeff’s Performance also offers free local pick-up and delivery for your convenience.
Be sure to give Jeff’s Performance Plus, a Certified NAPA AutoCare Center, a call and have your vehicle checked today.
Jeff’s Performance Plus is located on the River Hill at 10760 US-322, Shippenville, Pa. They can be reached at 814-226-6900, JeffsPerformancePlus.com or Facebook.com/JeffsPerformancePlus.
