April is National Car Care Month, and there’s no better time to ensure your Honda runs as well as it can. With warmer weather and road trips just around the corner, a quick check-up now can avoid headaches down the road. At Barbour Hendrick Honda of Greenville, NC, we can assist you with staying on top of your automobile’s well-being with a little simple checking and advice. We can get your vehicle ready to roll for what’s ahead.
What to Check During National Car Care Month
From fluids to brakes, tires, and safety essentials, here’s a breakdown of the areas to inspect to keep your Honda in top shape this season. Not only can these checks help prevent costly repairs later, but they also support your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency—especially as temperatures rise and travel ramps up.
Important Fluid Checks
The lifeblood of your Honda car is the fluid, and at the right level, it’s what keeps everything humming along nicely. During National Car Care Month, take time to check:
- Engine Oil: Check level and condition. Oil should be clean and amber in color. If dark or dirty, change the oil.
- Coolant: This fluid keeps your engine from overheating. Check reservoir to ensure it’s at proper level.
- Transmission Fluid: Transmissions will stall when low or dirty transmission fluid is present. Must be pinkish and clean.
- Brake Fluid: This impacts your car’s ability to stop safely. Ensure it’s clear and within the suggested range.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: It may seem insignificant, but clear visibility is important. Keep this filled up, particularly for spring pollen and bug season.
If unsure, let our service experts take a peek. Our crew knows precisely what your Honda requires to continue running strong.
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
Tires are where the rubber hits the road – literally.
- Check Tire Pressure: Proper air fills, make tires cooler, extends tread life, and enables improved traction on the road.
- Inspect Tread Depth: Perform the old penny test – if Lincoln’s head is still visible, replacement is required.
- Look for Wear and Damage: Tires can blow out with disastrous crashes due to uneven wear, bulging, or cracking.
- Rotate Regularly: This distributes even wear and maximum tire life.
- Don’t Forget the Spare: Check that it’s inflated and ready to go just in case.
Brake System Check
Brakes are your vehicle’s most essential safety feature. When they’re not working, it puts you and other road users at risk.
- Listen for Noise: Grinding or squealing could mean worn pads or rotors.
- Feel for Vibration: A pulsating brake pedal could mean warped parts.
- Watch Out for Warning Lights: The light for the brake system doesn’t come on by accident, so don’t take it lightly.
When you visit Barbour Hendrick Honda, we can check your brake pads, rotors, and fluid to make sure they are working right.
Lights and Electrical System
Being seen and seeing are essential to safe driving, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Headlights: Check the high and low beams. Replace burned-out or weak bulbs.
- Brake Lights and Turn Signals: Have a family member or friend help you test these.
- Interior Lights: Check the dome lights, dashboard lights, and backlights to ensure they are working properly.
- Battery: Look for corrosion, loose terminals, or slow starts. If your battery is over three years old, it may be time for a replacement.
Safety Equipment
Emergencies happen, and a little preparation goes a long way. Make sure your vehicle is stocked with:
- A working jack and lug wrench.
- A tire pressure gauge.
- A first-aid kit.
- Jumper cables or a portable jumpstarter.
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
Also, check that your seat belts are functioning correctly and your airbags are up to date.
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Professional Check-Up at Barbour Hendrick Honda
There’s only so much you can check at home, and that’s where we come in. Schedule a vehicle inspection with the trusted service team at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, NC. We’ll check everything from your fluids and filters to your brakes and belts, making sure your Honda is in top shape for the season.
Let us take the guesswork out of car care. With expert technicians, genuine Honda parts, and a commitment to your safety, you can feel confident every time you turn the key.
Schedule your service appointment today and get your vehicle ready for the road. Let’s make this National Car Care Month count.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.