Read the owner’s manual.
Before you try to do anything to your vehicle, check out the owner’s manual, which is available both as a printed manual in your glove compartment, or online at the Chevy website, which you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Get familiar with how all the components work and where important parts are located such as the oil dipstick or the windshield washer reservoir. Procedures for tasks that you can do, such as checking the oil, are also described in the manual.
Inspect the tires.
Many Chevrolet models have tire pressure sensors that tell you when you’re low on air. If your car doesn’t, you may need to buy a Tire Pressure Gauge from your auto center to determine your pressure. If it’s lower than the recommended number listed on the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual, fill it up at your local gas station.
Every time you fill up, give your tires a quick once over to be sure they haven’t been damaged or don’t have nails or rocks embedded in them. If your treads are looking worn, put a
penny upside down into the groove. If the top of Lincoln’s head appears, you’ll need new tires.
If your vehicle pulls to the left or right when you’re trying to drive straight, you may need your tires to be professionally aligned by our service department. Your tires should also be professionally rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles unless otherwise specified by the owner’s manual. Doing this allows the tires to wear evenly.
Check the oil
The oil keeps your engine running smoothly, reduces heat build-up, and minimizes friction between components. You need to check the oil regularly to make sure you have enough of this fluid. Make sure the engine is off and somewhat cool. Then pull the dipstick out, wipe off the oil from the end, and reinsert the dipstick into its tube. Pull the dipstick out again and examine the oil level. If the liquid is at the minimum mark, you can add some oil.
Take the time to change the engine oil and filter at the intervals recommended in your manual. If you don’t, your engine may suffer damage from debris even as its performance degrades.
Fill essential fluids.
Inspect the reservoirs for the coolant and the steering, brake, automatic transmission, and windshield wiper fluids, and fill them if they are low. If you need to fill the coolant reservoir, you’ll typically do it with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Note that the reason that you may be low on fluids may be due to a leak. Check under the car for any liquids. If you determine that they come from your engine, have it inspected immediately.
Look after the battery.
Check that the battery is securely mounted and that its connectors are free of corrosion and dirt. You can clean corrosion with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water. Use an old toothbrush or bristle brush to scrub the solution into the corroded areas. The bubbling neutralizes the acids in the corrosion.
Scrub the corrosion off, taking care that it does not reach other parts of the engine. You can rinse the connectors with plain water and let them dry.
If you have trouble starting your car or your battery is approaching five years old, you may need to replace it.
Replace windshield wiper blades.
Your wiper blades keep the front view clear and are made of rubber, which degrades over time. Replace them every 6 to 12 months or when they streak or smear water across the windshield.
Another Alternative
If you don’t have the time or inclination to take care of these tasks, then take your car into the
Service Department at Lawrence Chevrolet. Our factory-certified automotive techs use only manufacturer-vetted parts to service your vehicle, ensuring that it is kept in as original condition as possible.
