It is now spring time in Northwest Indiana (we hope the rain eases off), a good time for aspring cleaning of your vehicle and a great time to ensure your vehicle is safe for the upcoming summer driving season. The attorneys and staff at the Merrillville, Indiana law firm of Schlyer & Associates have a few things for you to consider doing this spring to your vehicle.
If you are mechanically inclined, with the right tools and know how, we have prepared a simple list of items you should do to make sure your vehicle is in good working order this year. If you are not very mechanically inclined, and if you do not have the right tools or know how, please schedule an appointment with your mechanic or dealership for a spring check-up of your vehicle.
Schlyer & Associates have listed a few helpful ideas you (or your mechanic) should check and / or do to your vehicle.
Batteries: Test and replace old or weak batteries, especially those more than three years old. Winter can be very hard on vehicle batteries. It can be cheaper than a tow and replacement on the road.
Tires, wheels: Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated and balanced, and wheels are properly aligned. Inflate tires to their recommended pressure - check the inside of your vehicle door to find out what the proper air pressure should be. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent (very important when gas is $4.00 a gallon) can cause premature tire failure and are a safety hazard.
Belts and hoses: Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts, as well as hoses that are blistered, brittle or too soft. Belts and hoses older than five years, even if they look intact, might need to be replaced.
Brakes: A spring checkup can uncover any winter damage. Inspect the brake system, including lines, hoses, and parking brake. Inspect brake fluid for proper level. Low brake fluid can be an indication of excessive brake wear or fluid leak. Have the brake linings/pads inspected and measured.
Suspension: Deep potholes aren't friendly to shocks and struts. An inspection to determine wear or leaks can alleviate bigger issues down the road.
Inspect the antifreeze/coolant level, making sure the coolant used meets the specifications listed in the vehicle owner's manual.
Oil Change: Check oil level regularly and change the oil every three months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first, for top performance and longer engine life.
Check the transmission fluid for correct level. Check the owner's manual for the right type of transmission fluid to use and the proper interval for service and replacement. Watch for leaks that can cause your transmission to fail.
Inspect power steering fluid for proper levels. Low power steering fluid can cause damage to the power steering system and lead to premature power steering failure.
Inspect windshield wiper blades for wear and cracks, ideally each spring and fall. GM recommends replacement of blades that look worn. Also inspect and replace the rear wiper blade, if equipped. Don't forget to check the windshield washer fluid.
Inspect and replace the engine air filter and the cabin air filter: Replace as necessary.
Inspect steering components and steering linkage: Replace as necessary.
Apply a protectant: Any vinyl surface including the dashboard, seats and the steering wheel are susceptible to cracking, sun damage and fading — be sure to apply a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.
Interior clean-up: Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats over the winter. And now is the time to store your winter vehicle mats in the garage.
Wash your vehicle: Most important, right? A clean vehicle runs better, right? Not necessarily, but it does make the vehicle look better. Just like a good maintenance program prolongs the life and performance of your vehicle, all vehicles regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your vehicle’s shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.
Clean the underbody: Do not forget the underside of your vehicle. In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray the underbody and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up which can lead to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best results.
The attorneys and staff at the law firm of Schlyer & Associates hope you are safe when you are traveling. Many times, simple maintenance can help you either avoid a crash or from getting stuck on the side of the road.
Call Schlyer & Associates if you are injured or need to file bankruptcy: If you are ever injured or need to file bankruptcy, please think of Schlyer & Associates first. The attorneys at Schlyer & Associates have experience in many types of injury and product cases. Many cases are settled before a law suit is filed. If not, the attorneys will work with you to prepare your case for trial and seek a jury verdict to compensate you for your harms and losses.
If you believe you have a case, please contact Schlyer & Associates today at (219) 757-0225 to schedule a free meeting with an Aggressive Trial Lawyer to discuss the compensation and recovery you may be entitled to receive. Many of the attorneys at Schlyer & Associates are licensed in both in Indiana and Illinois. We can also help you file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you live in Lake County or Porter County, Indiana only. We are a Debt Relief Agency. We can help you file an Affordable Bankruptcy.
Your Affordable Bankruptcy is only a phone call away if you live in communities of Hammond, East Chicago, Gary, Munster, Whiting,Griffith, Highland, Dyer, St. John, Schererville, Cedar Lake, Merrillville, Hobart, New Chicago, Lake Station, Crown Point, Lowell, Lake Dalecarlia, Winfield, Miller, Lake Village, Valparaiso, Hebron, Town of Pines, Portage, Porter, Wheeler, Dune Acres, Kouts, Odgen Dunes, Chesterton, South Haven or Beverly Shores.
We are located at 200 West 80th Place, Merrillville, Indiana 46410. Our office is located across the street from Eye Care Plus and Spill the Beans gourmet coffee shop, near the intersection of Broadway and U.S. 30.
Call us today at (219) 757-0225 to schedule your free consultation and to show us your well maintained, clean car. Remember, no fee unless successful.
Posted by Schlyer & Associates - Aggressive Trial Lawyers
