What Every Vehicle Tune Up Should Entail

Seven Things Your Diesel Mechanic Should Check For

In 2000, only one third of vehicles on the road made it to 15 years of ownership; today, that number has risen to about 50 percent! Though cars are undoubtedly being built better, the key to eternal car youth will always be maintenance. Not only will a regularly scheduled vehicle tune up up save your car, it can also save your life. Next time you visit a diesel mechanic for a tune up, make sure they check these crucial areas:

Oil

We all know about the three or five rule; you should change your oil every three months or 5,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). While it’s certainly a good rule of thumb, the best way to know whether you need an oil change or not is to check. During your next vehicle tune up make sure the mechanic checks your oil and replaces it if necessary. Oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle and without sufficient lubrication the metal in the car’s engine can rub together and create heat, which would eventually cause the engine to seize and fail.

Fluid Levels

A good diesel mechanic will always check your vehicle’s fluid levels. We already know how low oil can be damaging, but a lack of coolant can be equally as detrimental. Additionally, low fluid levels may also be a sign of a leak somewhere.

Brake Pads

Your car can have as many safety features as possible, but if your brakes are worn out it won’t matter. Aside from reducing your stopping time, worn brake pads can damage your rotors and calipers — both of which are much more costly to replace. It’s important to have a professional, like a diesel mechanic, inspect your brakes at least once every three months or at every vehicle tune up.

Visual Inspection

During your next vehicle tune up make sure the diesel mechanic does a visual inspection. A professional may be able to spot worn or damaged areas, such as wheel bearings, hoses, belts or lights, that you, yourself might not notice.

Tire Pressure/Wear

Driving on low or worn tires won’t only reduce your fuel economy, it’s also extremely unsafe. Unfortunately, your tire pressure changes around one PSI (pounds per square inch) a month, and even more in extreme temperatures. When your tires are over-inflated they makes less contact with the ground and increase the risk of hydroplaning, and when they’re under-inflated the tire can bulge out and increase the risk of a blowout.

Battery

Your battery, not unlike the other parts of a car, is subject to wear and tear. If there is too much dirt or corrosion, it could result in your car not starting. It’s important that your diesel mechanic visually inspects your battery at each vehicle tune up — especially during the winter.

Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter will restrict airflow to your vehicle and cause it to run rich (when there’s too much gas and not enough air). This can cause your car to lose power or run roughly and it can turn your check engine light on.

If you plan on keeping your car for as long as possible, don’t skip out on maintenance. Regular vehicle tune ups will save your wallet, your car and, most importantly, keep you safe!