Give Your Car Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Have you ever noticed just how well your vehicle treats you? Just think about it: Your car gets up with you every morning without hesitation, allows you to always pick the restaurant (OK, drive-thru), and constantly keeps you warm and safe. Yes, our vehicles certainly show us a lot of love, and that’s why we believe it’s always good to show them a little love back in order to keep up the healthy relationship.

Whether you’re single or attached this Valentine’s Day, consider spoiling your car with any or all of the following car maintenance ideas. Because isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is really for? Preventing problems from arising in the relationship? (Between car and driver, of course…)

1. Exterior Detailing – Shine your ride often. Even in wet weather, your car can benefit from a good wash and polish. It’s not always about looking good, it’s about protecting your vehicle’s paint job. So get out the hose, or pull into a stall, or do whatever you’ve got to do to wash off all that stubborn sap, dirt and salt the rain just isn’t taking care of.
2. Interior Detailing – Likewise for your vehicle’s interior. It’s tough to get out there and vacuum and dust your car in freezing temperatures, so it’s likely starting to need a little TLC in this department. Wipe the dash, vacuum the floors, take out the trash, and if you have leather seats, don’t forget to give them a thorough pass as well. Here’s a quick guide on How to Clean and Protect Your Car’s Leather Upholstery.
3. Oil Change – We know you know the virtues of regular oil changes: they keep your engine running clean and happy. By changing your oil and oil filter often, you can get up to twice the mileage out of an otherwise good engine.This makes oil changes worth every penny and every minute you spend either waiting for one or doing one yourself. Read our blog, When to Change Your Oil, for more thoughts on this.
4. Transmission Fluid Exchange – Regular transmission maintenance will cut down on your need for future mechanical repairs, and also allow you to drive as safely and economically as possible. If you suspect a leak, or want to find out if it’s time for a transmission service, don’t hesitate to make an appointment – you don’t want to try this one on your own.
5. Windshields and Wipers – How are these car parts holding up after all those wind storms Victoria endured last year? Don’t wait until they don’t work to replace your wipers, and check to make sure any dings and cracks on your windshields aren’t spreading. They might require some patchwork.
6. Engine Tune-up – Engine tune-ups are essential in keeping your car running smoothly for as long as possible. Engine tune-ups address things like spark plugs, ignition coils, air filters, fuel filters and more.
7. Brake Inspection – Winter weather can do a number on brakes, as now is the time of year they are putting in some serious overtime out there. Too often people will wait until they absolutely HAVE to replace brake pads and so on. But it doesn’t have to be this way! You can prevent scary situations from happening on the road by getting your brakes inspected often. If you’re weary of the feedback, have your auto mechanic show you the worn parts they say need replacing.
8. Tires – This one’s easy and simply requires you to inspect your tires and your tire pressure. Make sure they are properly inflated and have plenty of tread left. Don’t forget to inspect your spare. It might even be time to spring for a tire rotation if it’s been awhile, which will help all your tires get the same level of wear and tear. It’s a bit like flipping a mattress. You do that, right?
9. Wheel Alignment – Is your car no longer driving in a straight line? Is she pulling to one side? A wheel alignment might just be the solution. Over time, it doesn’t take much to bump our wheels out of line. Even constant trips up and down the bumps and humps in Douglas Street can do a number on your wheels after a while. Properly aligned wheels make for a safer ride and better fuel economy.
10. Accessorize: If your car is up to date on all its maintenance, congratulations! All that’s left now is to spoil her a little more. Try new floor mats, air fresheners, better speakers, tinted windows, new rims, car seat covers, steering wheel covers, added storage solutions, and much more to show your car it means everything to you.
11. Setting Future Goals – Now that your car is feeling the love, take things one step further by prolonging the life and good looks of your vehicle. This involves going easier on it by picking up safer driving habits. Here are a few suggestions:

(We’re all guilty of a few of these)

• Leave more room between you and the car in front of you
• Leave more room between you and cyclists
• Put down your phone!
• Don’t speed so much
• Ease up on the brakes
• Splurge on superior fuel every now and then
• Resolve not to eat entire meals behind the wheel
• Clean out those coffee cups every day
• Stop leaving valuables in the car overnight

If all of this sounds like too much work, consider booking a seasonal maintenance package at Searles, which covers a lot of these items. The Searles Service Special runs until February 26, 2016 and starts at just $89.95. Contact us today for more advice on seasonal maintenance for your vehicle or to book an appointment. We’ll help you spoil your car or truck on Valentine’s Day, or whenever you can make it in… we don’t want to come between you and your REAL love.