Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and you likely rely on it in your everyday life. That’s why proper maintenance is so important!
As one of the top car dealerships in Florence, SC, we make car maintenance easy thanks to our team of certified technicians. We’re dedicated to providing expert care, starting with our comprehensive car maintenance guide. Keep reading to discover more!
Maintenance Schedule For Your CDJR Vehicle
Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is crucial to keeping your vehicle running at its best.
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles should have routine maintenance every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, and major maintenance every 30,000, 60,000, or 90,000 miles. The frequency you need maintenance depends on a few factors, including your driving habits and local climate.
Routine maintenance tasks include:
- 5,000 miles - Oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake check, and multi-point inspection.
- 20,000 miles - Have front suspension, brake linings, and air conditioning inspected.
- 32,000 miles or 24 months - Replace the air conditioning filter and spark plugs. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod end, and boot seals.
- 60,000 miles - Change the automatic transmission fluid and replace the filter.
Common Signs of Potential Vehicle Problems
Like any piece of machinery, cars can experience issues even when proper maintenance is followed. This can lead to costly repairs and even make your vehicle unsafe to drive. It’s important to know the signs of serious problems so you can get them checked out and fixed before they become even larger issues.
Warning lights are the most obvious sign that something is wrong. If you see your check engine light illuminated, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. The tire pressure light is another sign that needs to be taken care of immediately. Both of these can indicate that your vehicle is unsafe to drive, so don’t wait to take action!
More warning signs that don’t come with a warning light include:
- Slow acceleration can be caused by faulty spark plugs, a dirty mass air flow sensor, a clogged catalytic converter, or even putting the wrong type of gas in your car.
- Squeaky brakes can be caused by a wide range of things including worn brake pads, a defective rotor, or debris on the brake pad.
- Vehicle vibrating when starting, turning, or stopping usually originates in multiple areas like the wheels, brakes, axles, and engine. Issues with the wheels are the most common cause of vibrating.
- Smoky exhaust can be a result of faulty injectors causing poor fuel combustion in diesel vehicles. In non-diesel gas-powered cars, smoky exhaust may be a sign of too much fuel going into the engine, a dirty air filter, or a faulty electronic sensor.
- Trouble starting your vehicle might indicate an issue with the battery, a faulty fuel system, or a problem with your ignition system.
- Grinding noises are often a result of gears rubbing together, typically due to a problem with your brakes or transmission.
- The smell of fuel or exhaust is usually a sign of a critical problem such as a leak in your exhaust system. If you smell fuel or exhaust while driving, pull over and park safely, turn your vehicle off, and stand away from it while you wait for help.
Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly
Like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting your annual physical keeps you in good shape, regular maintenance keeps your car in its best condition. Here are some of our top tips for vehicle maintenance:
- Regular Oil Changes. This is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. In a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram, aim for an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
- Check Your Fluids. Keep an eye on essential fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid, and top them off as needed.
- Tire Maintenance. Proper tire pressure and tread depth are key to getting the best fuel efficiency and safety. When it comes to tire rotations, we recommend a rotation when you get your oil changed. This makes it easy to get them rotated regularly.
- Battery Upkeep. While your battery is low maintenance, you’ll want to keep the terminals clean and corrosion-free. If you live in a colder climate, test it regularly since freezing temps drain your battery power quickly.
- Air Filter Replacement. Replace your vehicle's air filter annually to maximize fuel efficiency and ensure proper airflow to the engine.
- Brake Inspections. Your brakes are important, so be sure to check your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear every six months or so.
- Drive Safely. Yes, safe driving habits can reduce wear and tear on your car! Avoiding sudden stops, aggressive driving, and excessive speeding can preserve your car’s components.
- Get Professional Service. Follow your recommended maintenance schedule and see your Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service team for any routine maintenance and repair needs!
Schedule Maintenance at Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!
Whether you’re looking for Jeep service near you, a Mopar service center, or Chrysler service, our team will ensure your vehicle is in top condition! With extensive expertise in CDJR vehicles, we have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done. We even have an Express Lane to get you in and out faster than ever!
Schedule an appointment with the Legacy CDJR Service Center today to address all your automotive needs!