Car Maintenance

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

Road trips can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. But before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape and ready to handle the journey ahead. Here are some things to remember as you prepare your car for a road trip:

A man checking the tire pressure of a tire on his car.Inspect Your Car

Whether you inspect your car yourself or bring it to a professional, it’s a good task to check off your list first. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, and battery. The brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car, and it’s important to ensure that they’re working correctly before embarking on a road trip. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any issues with your brakes, schedule a visit to a mechanic.

Likewise, tires are one of the most crucial parts of your car. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of all the tires, including the spare. Make sure to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and replace any worn-out tires. In addition, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

Don’t forget to take the time to wash your car! A clean car not only looks better, but it can also help you identify any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed previously. Remove any clutter, vacuum the floors and seats, and clean the windows to make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check the Fluids

It’s essential to ensure that all the fluids are at their appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. Before hitting the road, make sure to check all the fluids in your car. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and, of course, oil. Road trips can be tough on the engine, and fresh oil can help keep it running smoothly. If you’re due for an oil change, schedule it before your trip, or if it’s too soon for a full oil change, at least top up the oil to the recommended level.

A young couple on a road trip, with the girl looking at a paper map.Plan and Prepare

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a road trip. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your car, such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Additionally, packing an emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations. Include items like a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit.

Planning your route before you hit the road can also help you avoid getting lost and save you time. It’s a good idea to have a backup route in case of unexpected road closures or detours. Don’t forget to bring a physical map or print out directions in case you lose service or your GPS fails.

When it Doubt, Get a Tune-Up

If you’re unsure about the condition of your car or haven’t had a tune-up in a while, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. A professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure that your car is in top shape for your road trip.

In conclusion, preparing your car for a road trip is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the miles ahead. Safe travels!

How To Prepare for a Road Trip Read More »

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOP 5 QUARANTINE CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

While the world stays at home during the COVID-19 crisis, it is still important that your car gets the care and attention it would normally receive. Lack of use can cause long-term damage, so here are the top five ways to keep your car running at peak performance:

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Go for a Weekly Drive

Although there are not many places to go, a quick drive around the neighborhood is still beneficial to the health of your car. Weekly drives will help keep your battery charged and will prevent rust from building up on your brakes. Going for a ride around the block is also a great way to safely enjoy some time out of your house or apartment.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

3. Keep Your Maintenance Schedule Intact

Even though you are not putting as many miles on your car, keeping your maintenance schedule intact is a must. Regular oil changes are still recommended since oil will deteriorate if the car is idle for an extended period of time. Please reference your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended time between oil changes.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

A man washing his car outside on a sunny day.

5. Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Car

On a nice day, spend some time outside and wash your car. Whether your car is being driven or just parked in the driveway, natural elements can still damage the exterior of the vehicle if not properly treated. Be sure to rid your car of any dirt, pollen and debris that has built up overtime. If your parked car is directly in the sun, consider parking it in the garage or buy a cover to preserve the paint.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips Read More »

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips

TOP 5 WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Even though the holidays are in the rear view mirror, winter is still going strong in the Northeast. With icy roads and dropping temperatures, keeping your car running at peak performance can be challenging. Cold weather can affect everything from the health of your tires to your fuel lines. As you keep your eyes on the road ahead towards warmer weather, make sure you don’t overlook these important winter car maintenance tips:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Weather can be a significant factor in the health of your tires, especially the cold winter temperatures. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tire air pressure falls one pound per square inch of pressure. Low tire pressure causes more wear and tear on the tires, ultimately lowering your fuel efficiency. Make sure to keep your tires at the recommended PSI, which can be referenced in your car’s owner manual.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

3. Monitor Your Heater and Defroster

Make sure that your car heater and defroster continue to be in working condition. As obvious as it may seem, monitoring these functions of your car will keep you safe while driving this winter. It is important to give your car time to warm up and completely defrost any ice that may be on your windshield and windows. A frozen windshield will obstruct your visibility, putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

5. Stock Your Car with the Essentials

Make sure your car is fully equipped for any winter weather. You should always have an ice scraper and snow brush available to completely clean off your car before you start driving. Also, regularly replace your windshield wipers to keep your windshield streak-free and improve visibility during any potential snowfall.

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips Read More »

How to Get Your Car Spring Ready

HOW TO GET YOUR CAR SPRING READY

Winter is coming. While that may be true for the hit HBO television show, it’s not for car owners and lessees in the northeast. Those cold, early mornings of defrosting your car are finally in the rear view mirror. Spring is right around the corner and with the change of season comes new car maintenance responsibilities. Here are the top four ways to make sure your car is ready for spring:

1. Wash Your Car, Undercarriage & Floor Mats

While you should consistently wash your car throughout the year, it is especially important to thoroughly wash your car after months of driving through road salt. Over time, a buildup of road salt can cause damage and rust the undercarriage of the car. Road salt can also eat away at your car’s paint. As we head into the spring, be sure to wash away any excess salt. Even spray down the floor mats inside your car to get rid of any salt carried in from your shoes.

2. Replace Your Wiper Blades for Unobstructed Vision

After a long winter filled with ice and snow, wiper blades are left streaking and squeaking across your windshield. Ineffective wiper blades can create a real danger by impairing a driver’s vision. Rather than risk your safety during April showers, act now and provide yourself an unobstructed view. Replacing your wiper blades is a relatively inexpensive way to make sure your car is ready for the spring season.

2. Replace Your Wiper Blades for Unobstructed Vision

After a long winter filled with ice and snow, wiper blades are left streaking and squeaking across your windshield. Ineffective wiper blades can create a real danger by impairing a driver’s vision. Rather than risk your safety during April showers, act now and provide yourself an unobstructed view. Replacing your wiper blades is a relatively inexpensive way to make sure your car is ready for the spring season.

3. Check Your Tire Pressure

With lower temperatures comes lower tire pressure. The unforgiving winter cold can significantly lower your tire pressure, which can cause more wear and tear on the tires, as well as lower fuel efficiency. Tire pressure should always be monitored, especially as we head into a warmer weather season. Be sure to reference your car’s owner manual to ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI. Also, be sure to inspect the tread of your tires to confirm that they are still in good shape.

4. Continue Servicing Your Car

No matter what season it is, it is always important service your car regularly. Timely oil changes, filter replacements and fluid refills are essential to keep your car running at peak performance. Always reference your car’s owner manual for more information about which parts of your car should consistently be serviced and when.

4. Continue Servicing Your Car

No matter what season it is, it is always important service your car regularly. Timely oil changes, filter replacements and fluid refills are essential to keep your car running at peak performance. Always reference your car’s owner manual for more information about which parts of your car should consistently be serviced and when.

For lessees of Fusion Auto Finance, be sure to reference our “No Surprises” Wear and Tear Policy” as a guide for servicing your leased vehicle. Stay informed on what qualifies as acceptable and normal wear and tear, as well as what is considered excessive and chargeable.

How to Get Your Car Spring Ready Read More »