When Does Your Car Need A Complete Inspection?

Your vehicle is a significant investment so it just makes sense to keep it running its best. Inspecting some of your car’s major components, such as brakes, tires, electrical system, heating and air conditioning, and lights on a regular basis will help to avoid little problems from becoming bigger ones down the road.

It’s a good idea to perform some of these routine inspections at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall as the weather becomes colder. Other items, such as oil and tire pressure, should be checked on a monthly basis. You should also consider a comprehensive vehicle inspection if you’ve recently purchased a used car in San Antonio (especially from a private party), or if your own an older, high-mileage vehicle.

Look For Warning Signs

There are few items on your car that you can inspect yourself. For instance, you can check the oil, fluid & coolant levels, lights, and tire pressure very easily. But there are some areas, such as brakes, belts, hoses, the battery and electrical system, air conditioning, spark plugs, emission control equipment, steering, and suspension that are best left to the experts. You should be aware of warning signs, such as “mushy” brakes, an A/C system that’s not blowing cold air, if your car becomes harder to start, if your car temperature rises above normal levels, or if your car drifts or pulls to one direction or the other. These could be indications that repairs are needed.

Let The Pros Do It

While we encourage you to perform some of these basic vehicle inspections yourself, the best course of action is to have a trained automotive professional do it for you. Here at your hometown San Antonio Ford dealer, Northside Ford, our Ford Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Center offers a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle by our factory-trained and ASE-certified technicians. We’ll go over all of your car’s critical systems and components, including tires, brakes, lights, oil & transmission fluids, air filter, fluid levels, and the electrical system thoroughly. We’ll also check your belts and hoses for correct belt tension, leaks, softness, and cracks and determine if your car’s air conditioning and heating are working correctly. And we’ll check your steering and suspension to uncover any issues.

We’ll then give you an in-depth Vehicle Check-Up Report that will advise you as to what service steps need to be taken. This comprehensive report also helps you to monitor and maintain the ongoing health of your vehicle.

Trust Your Car To Northside Ford

As a 2016 Edmunds.com 5-Star Dealer award-winner, your car, van, or truck is in good hands at Northside Ford’s auto repair and service center in San Antonio.

Because we know you lead a busy life, you don’t need an appointment. You can stop by our Ford Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Center on your schedule. We’re open evenings and even on weekends for your convenience. We also make it easy for you to schedule automotive service online.

In addition to Fords, we service all makes and models. Our repair facilities offer the latest automotive repair equipment and our Parts Department stocks a wide selection of genuine Ford parts and accessories.

Visit our San Antonio new car dealership today for all your automotive service needs. Northside Ford is conveniently located at 12300 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78216. To reach our Service Department, please call 844-281-5493.