1. Ignoring the Check Engine Light
It's tempting to ignore a check engine light, especially when your vehicle seems to be running just fine. But that little light is your vehicle telling you something needs attention. Sometimes the cause is relatively minor. Other times, continuing to drive without addressing the problem can lead to more expensive damage.
A steady check engine light generally means you should have the vehicle checked soon. A flashing check engine light can indicate a more serious problem, such as an engine misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. If the light is flashing, you should pull over safely, stop driving, and arrange for assistance.
The important thing is not to panic, but don't ignore it either. Finding out what's wrong early is usually a lot cheaper than finding out after something else has been damaged.
If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and your check engine light comes on, bring it by. We'll check it out and help you figure out what's going on.
2. Neglecting Oil Changes and Regular Fluid Checks
One of the easiest ways to prevent expensive repairs is to keep an eye on your vehicle's oil and other fluids.
Check your engine oil at least once a month, and more often if you drive a lot or notice your vehicle using oil between changes. Check your coolant, brake fluid, and other accessible fluid reservoirs, too. Follow your owner's manual for the proper way to check each one, and never open a radiator cap while the engine is hot. Don't assume you're fine just because you're not due for an oil change. Low oil can cause serious engine damage, even if your last oil change wasn't that long ago.
And speaking of oil changes, don't put them off! Some vehicles need them every 3,000–5,000 miles, while others can safely go longer. Your owner's manual is your friend! It'll tell you when your vehicle needs an oil change and what other maintenance is recommended.
Just remember that frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, and other demanding driving conditions may mean you need maintenance more often.
If you're regularly topping off a fluid or notice a leak, have it checked. Adding more fluid might get you by temporarily, but it won't fix the underlying problem.
At Chuck Ryan Cars, we change the oil in every vehicle before we sell it, so you start out with fresh oil when you drive off the lot. After that, staying on top of regular oil changes and checking your oil level occasionally are two of the simplest things you can do to help your vehicle last.
Not sure how to check your oil? Ask us when you're buying your vehicle and we'll show you. Already bought from us and don't know how? Bring it by. We'll be happy to show you.
3. Ignoring Warning Signs From Your Brakes
Your brakes usually give you some warning before a problem becomes a bigger one. Squealing or grinding noises, a steering wheel that shakes when you brake, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or a vehicle that pulls to one side when stopping are all signs worth paying attention to.
Sometimes the fix is as simple as replacing the brake pads. But putting it off can allow worn pads to damage the rotors and potentially other parts of the braking system, turning a relatively inexpensive repair into a much bigger brake job. More importantly, brakes are a safety issue. If something suddenly feels different when you brake, don't wait until your next oil change to mention it. If your brake pedal suddenly feels soft or your vehicle isn't stopping the way it should, pull over safely and don't keep driving. Have the vehicle inspected or towed.
If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and notice a problem with your brakes, give us a call. If it's safe to drive, bring it by. We can take it for a quick drive and can usually give you a good idea of what's going on and approximately what it may cost to fix.
4. Using the Wrong Fluids
Not all automotive fluids are interchangeable. Different vehicles require different types of coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and sometimes even engine oil. Using the wrong fluid can cause serious damage, and some repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
Your owner's manual is the best place to start. It'll tell you which fluids your vehicle requires. If you're unsure, don't guess or pour something in just because the bottle says it's compatible with most vehicles.
If you're a Chuck Ryan Cars customer and aren't sure what you're looking at under the hood, ask us. We'd much rather help you figure it out than have you accidentally put the wrong fluid in the wrong place.
5. Ignoring Tire Problems
Your tires affect much more than how smooth your ride feels. They're an important part of your vehicle's safety, handling, braking, and fuel economy. Driving with tires that are underinflated, overinflated, badly worn, or wearing unevenly can shorten their life and may be a sign of another problem, such as poor alignment or worn suspension components.
Pay attention to your tires and your tire-pressure warning light. If one tire keeps losing air, your steering wheel starts vibrating, your vehicle pulls to one side, or you notice one tire wearing differently from the others, don't just keep putting air in it and hoping for the best.
Not sure what pressure your tires should have? Check the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number printed on the tire itself. The door sticker tells you the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
6. Putting Off Small Problems Until They Become Big Ones
Cars usually don't get better when you ignore them. A new noise, vibration, smell, leak, or change in the way your vehicle drives may seem minor at first, but sometimes it's your first warning that something needs attention.
That doesn't mean every squeak is an emergency or every strange noise is about to empty your bank account. But catching a problem early can mean the difference between replacing one worn part and repairing several things that were damaged because you kept driving.
Pay attention when your vehicle starts doing something it didn't do before. You drive it every day, so you're often the first person who will notice when something feels different.
And remember, if you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars, we're still here after the warranty ends. If something doesn't seem right, call us or bring it by and let us help you figure out what's going on.
A Little Maintenance Can Save You a Lot of Money
Taking care of your vehicle doesn't mean you have to know everything about cars. Pay attention to changes, keep up with routine maintenance, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're not sure about something. A little maintenance today can help prevent a much bigger repair bill tomorrow.
And remember, CRC takes care of you before and after the sale. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. If you have a question about maintaining your vehicle, just ask. We're always happy to help.
