United Tire and Service News

If you've just invested in a new car you want to keep it looking and running like new for as long as possible.  Follow these handy suggestions from your friends at United Tire & Service to maintain that new car feeling long after you drive off the lot.

1. Protect Interior Surfaces - Your interior gets a lot of abuse from nature, kids, pets, food and drink.  Before you see that first stain, protect your interior with a fabric protection product like ScotchGuard.  Make sure the interior surfaces are clean and then follow the manufacturer's instructions on application.  Leather should be regularly treated with a conditioner that will keep it supple and prevent cracks.  Dust the dash, instrument cluster, steering wheel and controls with a dry dusting cloth and apply a protectant to the top of the dash and other vinyl surfaces.  Don't ever use protectant on the steering wheel though.  Slippery steering wheels are dangerous.

2. Maintain Your Tires - If you want a smooth, new car ride you should have your tires rotated and balanced every 5-6,000 miles.  United Tire & Service can put you on a regular schedule to make sure your tires last.  Check the tire pressure with every other fuel-up and make sure you are running the car manufacturers recommended tire pressure, located on a tag inside your driver door jamb. 

3. Keep Things Straight - Even a new car can have an alignment problem.  Bumps and bruises on the road surface can knock your car out of alignment, which can lead to unevenly worn tires and poor handling.  A professional service center like United Tire & Service can check your alignment and make corrections if needed, usually while you wait.

4. Check Your Brakes - Your brakes have to put up with immense heat caused by friction.  Many factory brake rotors respond to this heat by warping.  You will feel warped rotors as pulsation when you step on the brake pedal, especially when slowing from highway speeds.  Warped rotors are annoying and dangerous.  If you feel any pulsation in your brakes, or if your car pulls to one side or simply does not stop with confidence come by United and let them inspect your brakes and upgrade the rotors when necessary.

5. Regular Maintenance Items - Some of the components on your new car are wear items, meaning they need to be replaced periodically even if you take great care of your car.  Belts, hoses, wiper blades, filters and more start degrading the moment you start driving your new ride.  Have these wear items inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.

6. Change The Oil - We can't say this enough. Changing your oil according to the factory recommendations in your owner's manual is a must.  It is the lifeblood of your engine.  You can have your oil changed at a quick change outlet, or even do it yourself.  But better service providers like United Tire & Service will take the time to inspect the oil for telltale signs of problems, use factory recommended oil and filter products and will help you create a maintenance schedule that fits your car's needs.

New cars are a great way to enjoy the driving experience.  Make that new car experience last with some basic maintenance and the great services of United Tire & Service.