Seasonal Service | Lavonia, GA

Maintenance is a necessary part of owning a car. You can make it less overwhelming and stay on track when you approach vehicle care with a seasonal mindset. Dividing tasks as the weather changes will help your vehicle handle the demands of the weather while helping ensure your journeys aren't interrupted by breakdowns. At Ed Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep_® Ram, we can assist you with keeping your vehicle running at its best for as long as possible. Be sure to schedule an appointment today and until we see you, check out the seasonal service tips below.

Summer

Your engine has been running through a soggy spring so when the temps start to rise, it's a good reminder to get your vehicle's oil and oil filter changed. With regular oil changes, your engine will run more efficiently since it doesn't have to power through old oil corroded with dirt and debris.

Despite the chance for less rainfall during the summer, chances are your windshield will still need to wiped clean often to rid your view of smooshed bugs and dust from construction zones. While you're filling your windshield wiper reservoir, be sure to check on your vehicle's other necessary fluid levels such as coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.

The condition, inflation, and health of your tires should be reviewed consistently every few weeks, as your tires are a vital piece of safety equipment. Since high temperatures can impact your tires' performance and condition even more than temperate weather, it's important to check how your tires are handling the demands of summer.

Your car's battery may seem okay, but you don't want to risk getting stranded. So, pop the hood and test its strength. It may be time to invest in a new battery.

Notice any weirdness when you are driving, too, like if it pulls to one side or you are lacking stopping power or hearing grinding or screeching when you apply the brakes. Your vehicle's alignment or brake system may need a tune-up.

Fall

When the air gets crisp and the daylight gets less, it's time to prep your car for fall. Just like in summer, you'll want to review the condition of your tires since they'll be traveling over slick, wet, and leaf-covered roads. Be sure your tires have a substantial amount of tread so they can grip the road through these elements. Next, review the level of your vehicle's fluids and make sure your vehicle's heating system works well. An oil change, brake check, and battery test may be necessary, too. Since you'll be losing daylight in fall, be sure every light inside and outside of your vehicle is working properly. To help manage the mess of fall like water, dirt, and possible snow, put all-weather floor mats in your cabin and stock some weather-specific items in your emergency kit. You'll want to have gloves, blanket, jumper cables, flashlight, and a first aid kit for emergencies.

Winter

There is little doubt your vehicle has endured a lot during fall, so before you put your vehicle through harsher elements, you need to erase the remnants of fall and prepare the exterior for winter. A thorough wash and wax will make your exterior shine and help protect its finish when you're maneuvering through snowfalls and over salty roads during your trips up north. Just like in summer and fall, you'll want to check the strength of your battery, tires, fluid levels, lights, particularly your headlights, and change the oil. In addition to checking the windshield wiper fluid level and using deicing fluid, you may want to install a new set of windshield wipers to keep condensation from collecting on the windshield. Your vehicle's fuel injectors should be reviewed and cleaned and your radiator cap and thermostat needs to be inspected as well.

For all your service needs, year-round, contact the service department at Ed Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep_® Ram in Lavonia, Georgia.