Getting Ready for the Road

Between hitting Northeast Ohio’s famous potholes and dealing with construction on I-480 this summer, your vehicle deserves a good checkup. Here are some tips from Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers Association (GCADA) to help with getting your ride ready for fall.

Tip #1: Check the oil. Double check the date of your last oil change. If it was a while ago, even if you haven’t hit the mileage threshold, taking a look at the dipstick is a good idea. Intense weather conditions of any kind (wet, hot or cold) can put extra demands on your oil and oil filter, so if the level is low or the color is off, it might be time for a change.

Tip #2: Check other fluids. Check your coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids to be sure they are at the correct levels, as well. Coolant fluid is an especially important one to keep an eye on. Don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid, too.

“If you’re not comfortable, or unsure where to find the various fluids when under the hood, stop by your local franchised dealership,” says Barry Axelrod of Axelrod Buick GMC in Parma. “For example, newer models may have sealed automatic transmissions without a dipstick, or electric power steering that may not use fluid.”

Tip #3: Check the alignment. If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel vibrates or your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight, get your vehicle’s alignment checked out. Proper alignment can help extend the life of your tires and even save you a few bucks on gas. Alignment can be thrown off by general wear and tear, as well as run-ins with rough roads, potholes and curbs.

Tip #4: Inspect your tires. That includes the spare if you have one. Tires lose or gain pressure daily, depending on the outside temperature. Check each tire’s pressure when the car has been idle and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure — you can find that on the sticker inside the driver side door jamb. Insert a quarter upside down into grooves to check tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires. — TT