Car Care Tips

Car Maintenance Tips for Worry-Free Driving

At Hilltop Tire Service, we know dependable cars need regular maintenance. If you want to get over ten years out of your vehicle, then you need to practice factory schedule maintenance and respond fast when problems occur. Your owner's manual provides detailed information about what type of automotive service you need and when you need it. 

Read the following car care tips to keep your vehicle running reliably in Des Moines, Johnston, Altoona, and wherever you go.

6 Car Care Tips for Greater Car Value

• Oil Change: Get an oil change at the suggested service interval. Changing motor oil and the oil filter keeps your engine lubricated and helps your vehicle run smoothly. Dirty motor oil is abrasive and harmful to your engine parts, so it's important to stay up to date with an oil change service.
• Brake Fluid: Review your owner's manual for instructions on a brake fluid change. Some vehicles require one every two years while others only require a brake fluid service once or twice throughout the life of the car. 
• Coolant Service: Check your owner's manual for coolant, also known as antifreeze, service intervals. Like brake fluid, a coolant service might be recommended every few years to every factory maintenance service. If you ever have a coolant leak, make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible, since coolant regulates the engine temperature. 
• Replace Battery: Pay attention to battery life. Battery connections should be kept tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Batteries rarely provide warnings before failing, so seek battery replacement as necessary and ask for a battery power check if you're unsure of your automotive battery health.
• Rotate Tires: Practice regular tire rotation to extend tire life and ensure you don't need to find a replacement tire sooner than necessary.
• Reduce City Driving: Avoid driving in areas where there are frequent stops when possible. Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel and creates wear on different automotive parts.

Remember the car care tips above and always stay current on scheduled maintenance to get the best value out of your vehicle. A maintained vehicle is a great selling point in the future should you ever choose to sell your car. In addition, you'll maintain your factory warranty by following the maintenance intervals and increase vehicle life.

Stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance at Hilltop Tire Service. Visit us today, or contact us online when your car needs service. We serve Urbandale, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Grimes.

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