We give people gifts for birthdays and holidays and sometimes just because... but what about your car? It's okay to buy your car a few gifts sometimes! As a bonus, it's YOUR car so you get to enjoy the benefits of the gift, too! Here are 10 awesome gifts you can give your car!
1. Car Wash. Everyone enjoys a nice long relaxing bubble bath, why not let your car enjoy one, too? From the leaves sticking to everything and leaving behind those greasy smudges, the construction on every road kicking up all the dust and dirt, the birds taking target practice and the puddles that are sometimes unavoidable (or are just calling your name!), your car is dirty. Give it the gift of bubbles and warm water, you can even throw in a little wax to finish it off.
2. Vacuum and Clean. After you have scrub-a-dubbed the outside, don't forget the inside! Remember when you were coughing and sneezing last week... well even if you don't, your car remembers! Those germs are still there, just waiting to get picked up and make you, or your passengers, sick again. Besides clean on the outside and dirty on the inside doesn't make any sense! Bust out the vacuum and suck up those old stale fries under your kids car seat, your car will thank you (and your nose will, too!)
3. Upgrade Wipers. Yes, your windshield wipers. Take a few extra dollar bills and use them to get better wipers! They will last you longer AND they will help you see better! That means, no accidents because of streaking or missing wipers and no more annoying squeak from the cheapo wipers! Not sure what kind of wipers to get? Check out the Top 10 Best Windshield Wipers.
4. Tune up. Routine maintenance is a must!!! Air filters get clogged and suffocate your vehicle, usually causing a rough idle. spark plugs and wires/coils need to be changed and can cause electrical shorts or misfires leading to your vehicle stalling out on you. You should do a tune up on your vehicle about every 2 years.
5. Oil Change. When is the last time you had an oil change? If you had to think really hard, it's probably been too long. Unless you are on routine schedule for your oil changes (that you actually follow), now is the time to give your car a gift and get your oil changed! Your car will thank you! If you continue to get your oil changed on a routine basis, this will help maintain the life of your engine.
6. Tire Rotation. Some people don't know that they need to rotate the tires on their vehicle and that's okay, because now you know! If you haven't rotated your tires this year, make it a gift to your car and schedule an appointment to have them done. Rotating your tires helps to get even wear all the way around your vehicle and may extend the life of your tires. If you are rotating your tires yourself, always remember to rotate back to front. If you get new tires, have them installed on the rear of the vehicle to help with traction.
7. New Lug Nuts. Have you ever had your lug nuts replaced? While your mechanic is rotating your tires, have him swap out your old lug nuts for new ones. Over time, just like all parts, your lug nuts wear out.The threads can strip and your lug nuts can start to round, preventing you from removing or installing them. Replace your lug nuts, your tires will be held in place properly and your mechanic will thank you!
8. Upgrade Your Lights. When I say "upgrade"i don't mean get the "sending a message to another planet" brightest lights you can find. Just a simple bulb swap for the front, back or both. You will have a clearer view of the road, your lights will be brighter and the other drivers will be able to see you!
9. Replace Your Serpentine Belt. Most people don't replace their serpentine belt until they absolutely have to and by then it's too late. Your engine has been working harder and the pulleys have already taken a hit from the damaged belt and may need to be replaced. You don't even need a bow, just gift your vehicle with a new belt!
10. Coolant Flush. Over time, coolant loses its effectiveness. It will no longer keep your engine from overheating in the hotter months or freezing in the colder months. Yes, your engine can freeze. Never put just water into your coolant system! You should do a coolant flush at least once a year. Even if you don't do a full flush, a simple drain and fill will help your coolant system stay up to par.
This year, add YOUR CAR to your shopping list! Help extend the life of your vehicle and keep your engine running smooth!
J&S FixQuik Automotive | Mobile Auto Repair | Aurora, IL
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