Car care: Things you shouldn’t overlook
Park Place Infiniti tech gives drivers helpful tips
Special to RJDRiVe.VeGaS
When it comes to caring for your car, it’s the little things that count.
“There are some basic steps that take just a little time, but can go a long way toward saving you money, enhancing safety and helping ensure a long and satisfying ownership experience with your vehicle,” said Robert Mowrer, a technician from the newly expanded Park Place Infiniti dealership at 5555 W. Sahara Ave. “Whether it’s an Infiniti or another model and whether you service your vehicle yourself or enjoy the convenience of using your dealer’s factory-trained personnel, you can use this list to help you get started.” REad YouR ownER’s Manual
Every vehicle has its own service schedule and individual nuances. All of those things and more are covered in your owner’s manual. It’s important to know what all the lights mean, how the dials and buttons work, and how and when to take care of your vehicle and all its parts. Some people read their owner’s manuals from cover to cover as soon as they get a new vehicle, while others pick and choose the chapters of greatest interest. Whichever type of driver you are, be sure to ask a factory-trained technician if you have questions. At Park Place Infiniti, each of our technicians is a highly trained expert and will offer excellent advice and service. GEt YouR tiREs RotatEd and BalancEd, and ask aBout a whEEl aliGnMEnt
Your vehicle is only as good (and safe) as the rubber it’s riding on. Even a super car won’t get very far with a flat tire. Your tires don’t always wear evenly when you drive, even when your wheels are properly aligned. So, getting your tires rotated and balanced is important to extend their life. Check your owner’s manual or ask your service technician how often it should be done on your make and model. Making sure your tires and wheels are balanced also is important, to ensure proper weight distribution and a comfortable ride. An alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels to factory specifications. After a while, potholes and rough driving, especially here in the Southern Nevada desert, can affect the alignment of your front and rear wheels. Dealers like Park Place Infiniti may offer seasonal alignment specials, so
watch for coupons. chEck YouR BElts
Some of your vehicle’s moving parts may rely on belts to keep them going. Squeaking or high-pitched squealing when you start your vehicle could be a sign that it’s time to have your belts checked. Waiting too long can result in a broken belt and possibly more serious damage. A serpentine belt, for example, normally drives things like the power steering, the alternator and other important parts, so if it malfunctions, you’re going to have bigger problems. When you have your oil changed, check your belts for obvious cracks, chips or signs of dry rot, and have them replaced at the recommended intervals, even if they look fine. clEan YouR hEadlaMps
It may sound obvious, but even a thin coating of dust, mud, snow or salt film can severely impact your visibility, especially in poor weather. The durable polycarbonate plastic from which many headlamps are made can become excessively chipped, scratched or cloudy over time from long-term UV exposure, re- ducing the amount of light you get from your headlamps. Keep them clean and inspect them regularly. If you notice a problem, ask your dealer’s service department for suggestions to correct the issue. They may recommend something you can use to treat and protect the plastic to extend its life. REplacE YouR FiltERs
Many of today’s vehicles have monitors that prompt you when it’s time to change your oil, but there generally aren’t such filter replacement reminders. Items like filters don’t always come to mind, especially if you change your oil yourself. Failure to replace fuel, air and oil filter can cause damage, reduce fuel economy and increase emissions. The same goes for the cabin air filter that helps remove pollutants, allergens and noxious fumes from the air being drawn into your vehicle. Best of all, filters are normally not expensive to replace. In vehicles with complimentary factory maintenance, some filters may even be replaced for free, so be sure to have them checked regularly and replaced when needed. staY on top oF it
Keeping up with all your car maintenance needs has never been easier, espe- cially in this age of mobile technology. If you have a smartphone, there are some excellent apps available, ranging from basic to intricate, to help guide you and offer reminders for when to check and maintain various mechanisms in your car. Road Trip, an app available for iPhones and iPads, tracks your maintenance schedule, fuel economy and other expenses. For Android users, Car Maintenance Reminder is similar and can send reminders when a service due date approaches. Other apps include aCar and AutoCare, or you can search your favorite app store to find the right one for you. Many automobile manufacturers also offer automated service reminders via email and/or a smartphone app.
Your dealership is always the best resource for any automotive issue you have, so stop in and talk with factory-trained personnel if you have questions or service needs.
Robert Mowrer or any of the Park Place Infiniti experts can be reached at 702-252-8100.
Founded in 1987 by Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Infiniti dealerships represent luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Maserati, Lotus and smart. For more information, visit www.parkplaceinfiniti.com.