To p T i p s f o r

M a i n t a i n i n g Yo u r

Ve h i c l e ’ s S a f e t y

Driving in a safe manner

represents only part of the

responsibility of a vehicle

owner. The other part is

maintaining the vehicle in

proper working condition. If

maintenance is consistent, the

odds of breaking down or being

in an accident decrease. As an

added bonus, the vehicle will

last longer and perform more

efficiently.

Here’s a list of key areas to

keep maintained.

Tires grip the road and

give the driver control

over the vehicle.

Excessively worn, bald,

or improperly inflated

tires compromise this

control. Tires should be

rotated and checked for

tire pressure periodically

to prolong their life, avoid

uneven wearing, and

improve fuel economy.

Proper wheel alignment will lead

to longer tire life and better

handling. To check alignment,

lightly touch the steering wheel

while driving on a straight, flat

stretch of road. If the vehicle

pulls to one side, the wheels may

be misaligned.

Wheels should also be balanced.

If out of balance, a pounding or

shaking can be felt through the

steering wheel.

Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing

friction and carrying away excess heat. Oil also captures

dirt and other impurities and transfers them into the oil

filter. Regular oil changes ensure optimum engine

performance.

Additionally, check under the vehicle for fluid leaks. Leaks

should be investigated and fluids should be refilled.

For optimum visibility,

headlights, taillights, directional

signals, and interior lights

should have working bulbs and

remain clean.

In addition, the rearview mirror

mounted inside the vehicle and

the rearview mirrors on each

side of the vehicle’s front doors

should be clean and pointed in

the correct direction.

Both the foot brake and parking

brake should hold the vehicle in

park. To check the foot brake,

lightly touch the steering wheel

and apply the brakes gradually. If

the vehicle swerves, brake

linings may be wearing unevenly,

or the brakes may need

adjustment.

Grinding or squeaking sounds

when applying brakes also signal

brake issues.

The vehicle’s ignition

system is critical. Spark

plugs ignite the air-fuel

mixture. If one or more of

the plugs or plug wires is

worn or malfunctioning,

the engine can misfire and

fuel will remain unburned.

A misfiring engine wastes

fuel, produces more

emissions, and generally

performs poorly.

Belts and hoses should be

checked regularly with periodic

tune-ups. Check under the hood

for cracked or split spark plug

wires, cracked radiator hoses or

loose clamps, and corrosion

around the battery terminals.

These should be replaced.

Desert Sun Auto Group is a leader in automotive services in the greater New

Mexico and West Texas areas. Offering a wide selection of vehicles, Desert Sun

Auto Group makes a priority of customer service and aims to make the car buying

process quick and hassle free. Financing options are available and many credit

levels are accepted.

For more information, and to view our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned

vehicles, visit www.desertsunmotors.com.