Allgood Pest Solutions

Before winter sets in and the most you do outside is make a mad dash from the car to house, set aside an afternoon for some auto maintenance.

• Routine checkups will help keep your car in tip-top shape and avoid any future problems. Inspect the tires. Check the air pressure and add more if needed. Also inspect the tread by placing a penny, head down, into a tire groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, you have more than 1/16” of tread left (tires need replacing when worn down to 1/16” or less).


• Check fluids monthly, including the engine, transmission, radiator/cooling system, brakes, battery, air condition, window washer.


• Wax your car. It preserves paint by slowing oxidation and provides a barrier against bird droppings, tree sap and more.


• Change the oil. In the past, auto manufactures suggested changing the oil every 3,000 miles. But with today’s improved oil, you can usually go longer between changes, especially with synthetic oil. – check the auto manual to be sure.


• Check and replace windshield wipers if needed. They should be replaced at least once a year, more often if kept outside in a hot, sunny climate.


• Clean the battery. You’ll extend its life and prevent a dead battery by occasionally wiping it down with damp rag, cleaning the terminals with a paste of baking soda and water and coating the terminals and clamps with a thin layer of grease to prevent corrosion.


• Check brakes. Anti-lock brake systems are sensitive to moisture so have the brake fluid “bled” every three years, or according to the owner’s manual.


• Change the filters. These include the oil filter, air filter (replace when dirty), fuel filter (once a year) and the transmission filter (every 25,000 miles).


• Change spark plugs. Sometimes poor vehicle performance is due to faulty spark plugs. If part of routine maintenance, change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.


• Inspect 4-wheel drive components. Be sure the system engages and disengages easily.