Fortunately, we’ve got tricks of our own. With the help of these five simple but invaluable tips, you’ll treat your vehicle to the greatest gift there is – a longer, healthier lifespan.
Make Washing Your Vehicle into a Routine Activity
Motivating yourself to get out and wash your car during the Fall and Winter can seem tedious, but the process of regularly cleaning your car is consequential for reasons beyond aesthetic contentment. Dirt, grime, and other foreign substances, in addition to harming your paint, can cause less visible havoc, such as corrosion of the undercarriage. A constant cleaning schedule helps keep such unwanted materials from slipping through the cracks.
Don’t limit cosmetic maintenance to the car’s exterior. Get under the hood and inspect the battery case for any signs of corrosion. In addition, thoroughly vacuum the interior of the vehicle whenever possible, as the buildup of too much outside muck will damage the floor mats over time.
Travel Lightly
Any large, bulky items that aren’t needed should be left at home, rather than taking up residence in your car’s storage space. When you transport heavy items, you run the risk of reducing your gas mileage and put an undue strain on your tire pressure.
Always keep essentials on hand, including a first-aid kit, antifreeze, jumper cables, and a spare tire. Otherwise, manage your storage usage reasonably; is your trunk really the best place to store your air conditioner all winter?
Keep Hydrated
Even when our bladders rebel against the doctor-recommended half gallon of water a day, humans understand the importance of constant hydration. Your vehicle also needs a steady diet of fluids to sustain itself and should never be left thirsty.
Engine oil, power steering fluid, and coolant should all be checked and topped off once a month. Check brake and transmission fluids at least biannually and consider donating some of that trunk space to an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid, just in case.
Change Your Wiper Blades
Optimal visibility should be the top safety concern for any Mercedes-Benz owner. Those hazy summer days make us forget how abysmal your windshield’s condition can quickly become once the winter chill settles in. The combination a frost-covered windshield and ineffective wiper blades could grind your morning routine to a halt.
As the weather starts to get cooler, your wiper blades could start gradually corroding – even if they are still performing well. Check the rubber strips on the blades and give them the occasional wiping. Remove branches, leaves, and other autumnal debris. In general, you should replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months – so why not make Halloween your annual reminder to do so?
Schedule Your Car for Maintenance Sooner Than Later
Just as you wouldn’t begin an exorcism without doing ample research first, there’s no such thing as being too safe when it comes to the health of your vehicle. Maintaining a regular service schedule is of course necessary year-round, but when your vehicle starts displaying any signs of mischief this Halloween, don’t hesitate to make an impromptu appointment with our Service Center.
From tires to parts, Mercedes-Benz of Macon is here for all your Fall service needs. And for a treat of your own, stop by our showroom today to explore our full inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.
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