Make a Difference with Automotive Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your vehicle can extend its life well beyond its expected lifespan. Today’s automobiles can exceed 150,000 or even 200,000 miles if maintained properly, diligently and by a qualified automotive technician. The following are some maintenance tips that could prevent costly repairs and to help you keep your vehicle longer.

Tip #1– Keep your tires inflated properly at all times. A good rule of thumb is to “fill ‘em up” once a month.

Tip #2– Replace a dirty air filter at least one time per year. If you drive in “stop and go” traffic on a regular basis, you may need to replace it more or if you drive more than the average of 15,000 miles per year.

Tip #3– Flush the radiator. Neglecting to change antifreeze is the #1 reason for vehicle breakdowns on the road. Occasionally draining and replacing the antifreeze/coolant in your radiator flushes out dirt and rust that can build up in the cooling system. How often coolant needs to be changed depends on the type of antifreeze in the vehicle and how much time or mileage has passed since the antifreeze was last changed. On average, twice a year is a good guideline.

Tip #4– Change your transmission fluid. Typically this is done once every 30,000 or 60,000 miles. Consult your automobile manufacturer owner’s manual for their recommendation. Don’t forget this tip since neglecting to do this can leave you with costly repairs.

Tip #5– Rotate your tires every 3,000 miles or every oil change. This ensures that your vehicle will handle well and stop properly, and it extends the life of your tires.

For more information about Rizzoli’s Automotive and the services offered, contact Kyle Rizzoli, General Manager – 2584 Victoria Avenue, San Luis Obispo 805-541-1082 or Bruce Best Sr., General Manager – 1149 West Tama Lane, Santa Maria 805-922-7742.