Car Care Tips

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE’S PERFORMANCE

At Precision Motorworks, we work hard to ensure that your vehicle is cared for. Whether you need to come in for regular tune-ups or major repairs, we are always able to help. Our shop focuses on European auto repair in Santa Clara and we handle all makes and models. We understand that your car is a valuable asset, which is why we have compiled this helpful resource. With more than 25 years of experience in repairing foreign and domestic vehicles, we know how to handle even the most confusing car trouble. It can be very helpful to keep these automotive tips in mind, especially if you want to add to the lifespan of your car. Following some of these simple steps can greatly improve your vehicle performance.

IF MY BATTERY DIES, CAN I JUST JUMP-START IT?

The answer to this common car care question is always debatable. Yes, you can jump-start your battery and possibly make it home. There is no guarantee that a battery jump will result in a fully charged battery though. This means that you could drive down the street, park in your driveway and run into the same exact issue in the morning. If your car is continually dying, it is the most likely time for a new battery. If you have replaced the battery recently, you may want to have it inspected by a trained technician. You may have to charge it or buy a brand new one again. In some cases, a dead battery can be a clue to another issue. If you have frequent battery issues, have your car inspected to ensure that any problems are taken care of right away.

DO I REALLY NEED TO WASH MY CAR REGULARLY?

Contrary to popular belief, washing your car can do much more than just improve aesthetics. Keeping your car washed and waxed is very helpful for corrosion control. When your vehicle is regularly cleaned, the surfaces are less likely to become oxidized, fade or corrode. Dirt and other contaminants that stick to your car can easily eat away at plastics. Your headlights and parking lamps may become faded or covered with film from daily driving. This can be very dangerous during early or late hours, especially in rainy conditions. If your headlights are too dim, you are endangering other drivers on the road too. You may also want to wash your engine every year or so, using care not to get any electrical components wet. Your engine should always be cooled off completely before washing.

SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT LEAKS?

Cars can leak for a wide range of reasons, many being harmless and natural, but some leaks should be monitored closely and taken care of as soon as possible. If you notice an oil or coolant leak, you should have a technician look at it right away. When your car is losing coolant, it is an indicator that your engine is suffering from hot spots. This can be destructive over time, damaging your engine and vehicle performance. Monitoring the leaks coming from your car will prevent unnecessary corrosion and damage to your car over time. Handling them in a timely fashion is a simple way that you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

WHEN DO I NEED NEW TIRES?

The general rule for replacing tires is about every five years. This may be different for some drivers, depending on the type of roads and amount of driving you have done on them. Tires are one of the most important features of your car, especially when it comes to safety. Driving with worn out or older tires could lead to a dangerous accident. Most tires have tread wear bars, which allow you to determine when you need to replace them. When the bars become even with the tread level, it’s probably time for new tires. You can also use a tread depth gauge to measure the remaining tread on your tires. If there is irregular tread wear on your tire, it could be an indicator of wheel misalignment. Monitoring your tread wear can help you catch other car issues before they lead to an expensive and dangerous accident.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY AIR FILTER?

Your air filter may be small, but it is very important for air quality and engine performance. If your air filter gets too clogged, your engine may have trouble breathing, causing damage. It can be difficult to tell if an air filter needs to be replaced because most dirt and junk is barely visible. Your air filter may appear to be clean, but in reality, it could cause serious damage if left unchanged. Most vehicle owner manuals will suggest a maintenance schedule for air filters, giving a good indicator of how often you should replace it. They are very inexpensive and simple to replace. This small step can greatly improve your engine’s performance.

If you have more questions about caring for your vehicle, contact us today. As one of Santa Clara’s premier European and domestic auto shops, we are prepared to handle all of your car troubles.