It’s a fact that a well-maintained Lexus is a pleasure to drive. Regular car maintenance will save you money at the gas pump and bundles of cash on repairs. It doesn’t matter if you drive a brand new Lexus GX 460 or a pre-owned ES 350 on the roads in and around Silver Spring, MD; the following tips will help you keep your car in top condition.
Routine Maintenance Is Essential
Every Lexus model has a service schedule with factory-recommended maintenance intervals to ensure that your vehicle performs at its best. If you stick to the maintenance intervals, your car will stay reliable and safe.
Replace the Oil at the Recommended Intervals
The oil in your car lubricates the moving parts and ensures that your engine is clean, protected, and runs smoothly. Generally, an oil change is recommended every six months or 5,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for oil change intervals for your specific model, or speak to your Lexus technician.
Perform Regular Fluid Checks and Top-Offs
Your car relies on fluids to keep the moving parts cool and lubricated to reduce friction that causes wear. It’s crucial to check the oil, coolant, brake, power steering, and transmission fluids at least once a month. Check the fluids and top them off to the correct levels if necessary.
Check for Fluid Leaks
Make a habit of checking for puddles on the ground under your car. If you see a wet spot, your car is leaking fluid. To determine what type of fluid is leaking, check the color. Oil is brown, coolant is orange or green, brake fluid is yellowish-brown, power steering fluid is reddish-brown, and transmission fluid is red or brown. If you see puddles under your car, get the problem sorted out as soon as possible.
Inspect the Battery
A good quality battery lasts between three and six years, depending on the temperature, driving habits, and maintenance. Inspect your battery regularly to avoid battery problems. Check the terminals for corrosion and if you spot build-up, clean it off with a mixture of baking soda and water and a brush. If your battery is older than three years, ask your Lexus technician to perform regular battery inspections and tests to determine if you need a replacement.
Inspect, Inflate, and Rotate Your Tires
Always check that your car’s tires are inflated to the correct tire pressure levels. Over or underinflated tires cause damage to the tires and affect handling. Walk around your vehicle once a week and check the tires for wear, cuts, cracks, and bulges. To prevent uneven tire wear, rotate the tires regularly to prolong the life of your tires.
Never Ignore Strange Noises and Unpleasant Odors
You know what your car sounds and smells like, and when you notice strange noises or unpleasant odors, ask your Lexus technician to perform a thorough inspection. The quicker you attend to smells and odors, the better. You will prevent more damage and save money on high repair costs.
Keep an Eye on Your Car’s Dashboard Warning Lights
If you notice a dashboard light is on, it’s a warning that something is not working correctly. Never ignore warning lights to prevent more damage that could lead to costly repairs. A diagnostic test will accurately determine the cause, and your Lexus technician will repair the problem fast and effectively.
Regularly maintaining your car comes with a whole lot of benefits. You will save money, increase your car’s resale value, and your vehicle will last longer. Easily schedule your next service at our auto repair center in Silver Spring, MD, today! Have any questions? Our team is ready to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us at DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring now!
Connect with us
