Like with most disasters, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to automotive care. After all, the last thing you’d want is getting stuck on a highway in Phoenix with a smoking car, searching frantically for “car shop near me” on your phone.
As such, our seasoned experts from Import Car Specialists share five commonly overlooked tips that can prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly auto repairs in the future.
1. Regularly check your tires and maintain the recommended pressure.
If you notice uneven or rapid tire wear, consider visiting our car shop in Phoenix ASAP. These are telltale signs of wheel misalignment that can cause strain on your vehicle. Our auto repair facility offers computerized wheel alignment and tire rotation services.
You should also keep the tire pressure recommended by your dealer or user manual. This is typically between 32-36 PSI for most cars and up to 40 PSI for trucks, but it may vary depending on the model.
2. Watch your radiator coolant.
You should schedule a radiator flush with our car shop every 100,000 miles or five years. Our auto repair technicians in Phoenix cannot stress this enough, especially for a hot region like Arizona.
If you ignore this procedure, the coolant will become more acidic over time. Then, it may corrode several parts of the cooling system. This will increase the risks of overheating and warping parts of your engine block. Just note that the service interval may vary depending on the model and age of the vehicle.
3. Perform a monthly DIY engine clean-up.
Your vehicle can gather much dust and debris in an arid location like Phoenix and the rest of Arizona. Grime buildup can result in higher fuel consumption and even critical damages to your engine if left unchecked.
For this task, an old toothbrush and a moist sponge are your best friends. You can also get a specialized degreasing agent to safely break down deep-seated dirt. Just make sure you use protective gear like gloves and goggles. If you’re unsure how to do it, just book an appointment with our auto repair mechanics at Import Car Specialists.
4. Check your automotive fluid tank levels.
Do not underestimate the role of brake, power steering, and transmission fluids in your vehicle. These are necessary for critical automotive components to run smoothly and reduce wear over time. Ignoring them can trigger your check engine light and have you searching “auto repair” and “car shop near me” more frequently and unexpectedly. Check your fluid levels at least every two months and visit our car shop in Phoenix if you need a replacement.
5. Don’t let your car sit in the garage for months.
Using your vehicle frequently is another good way to keep it in good health. If you stay just at home for a long time, try to drive it for at least 30 minutes every week. If you leave it sitting for months, the fluids may dry up, and the auto electrical system might become faulty. Call us ASAP if you hear noises from under the hood to prevent further damages to the engine.
Car Shop Near Me in Phoenix, AZ
For all your auto repair and maintenance needs, just schedule an appointment at Import Car Specialists. Our licensed and experienced techs will help resolve your automotive issues from bumper to bumper. We are open Mondays through Fridays (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM) and conveniently located at 1640 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016.