Best preventive maintenance you can do for a Chrysler

Buying a car is a big financial commitment — one of the most significant many of us will make. Protecting that investment through preventive care makes good sense, as minor problems today can turn into big ones tomorrow. But because every car is different, what does that mean in real terms? What is the best preventive maintenance program for a Chrysler?

The experienced technicians at Bill Volz’s Westchester have years of experience taking care of Chrysler and other models. On your behalf, they have put together this guide to outline the best and most rigorous preventive maintenance measures you can do for a Chrysler.

Change the Oil 

Vehicles comprise a staggering number of mechanical parts operating very close to each other. Motor oil helps reduce friction to keep the details functioning correctly. Unfortunately, oil doesn’t last forever. It picks up dirt and other particles that can interfere with its effectiveness. Checking and changing your oil regularly is the most critical aspect of preventive maintenance for a Chrysler. 

The standard maintenance schedule for Chrysler calls for changing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. This is a service you can do yourself, but you can also rely on the service technicians at Bill Volz’s Westchester. Our mechanics will also check brake fluids, engine coolant, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and power steering fluids during oil changes. These fluids should also be checked every 5,000 miles.

Change the Cabin Air Filter

One of the more overlooked preventive measures you can do for a Chrysler is to change the cabin air filter. The cabin air filter removes dirt, dust, and other particles from the air you and your passengers breathe. A good rule of thumb is to change the cabin air filter roughly every 15,000 miles, but that figure varies depending on driving conditions. 

Don’t confuse the cabin air filter with the engine air filter, which must also be changed regularly. Technicians typically check both filter types during an oil change service, or you could do it yourself. The engine air filter typically needs changing every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Replace the Windshield Wipers

If you live in a climate prone to snow or rain, you fully appreciate the value of a rugged set of windshield wipers. These, too, can wear out over time and make it difficult to see the road by leaving streaks or smudges or losing their capabilities. While this is an easy do-it-yourself job, service technicians might offer to replace your wiper blades during an oil change. It’s obvious when it’s time to change the edges, and you probably need a new pair every six to 12 months.

Rotate and Align Tires

The tires on your Chrysler also require preventive maintenance. While tires today last for 30,000 miles or longer, they take a beating from the roads, the weather, and your driving style. 

Rotating the tires on your vehicle regularly adds to their useful life. A good rule of thumb is to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Following this schedule means the tread wears more evenly across the tires. Rough roads can also knock wheels out of alignment and cause uneven wear. If you find your car drifting out of a lane while driving, you might need an alignment.

Adjust Brakes

Driving safely relies on a well-functioning braking system to slow when you need to at stoplights, to park, or to avoid obstacles. Have your brakes checked by a professional regularly, such as at your lube, oil, and filter service.

Brakes can wear at different rates based in part on how you drive, so there’s no standard interval at which you should think about brake repairs. Consider replacing brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles and the rotors every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Based on the brakes ‘ performance, you and your mechanic can decide when it’s time.

Test the Battery

You can’t drive your Chrysler anywhere unless it starts. Therefore, an essential part of preventive maintenance is monitoring the condition of your car’s battery. Battery issues could be harbingers of problems to come, and the sooner you catch them, the better.

With the right equipment, it’s also possible to measure the strength of the battery. Batteries wear down from use over time but can also degrade performance if they remain unused. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your battery roughly every three to five years. Regular inspections can help identify problems early.

Change the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs have a utility for the engine that transcends their name. They provide the spark in each cylinder that ignites the air/fuel mixture. In addition to helping start the engine, spark plugs contribute to fuel efficiency. They receive constant exposure to heat and pressure and get dirty, so they can wear out quickly. If one spark plug fails, the engine will still function, but less efficiently. You might notice a loss of power and acceleration. Manufacturers recommend changing the spark plugs in your Chrysler and other cars roughly every 30,000 miles. 

The mechanically inclined can change the spark plugs themselves. However, professional oil changes at dealers or other vendors often make it easier by including multi-point mechanical inspections that cover the spark plugs. Ask the technicians at Bill Volz’s Westchester to check your spark plugs if you prefer a professional to handle the job.

Preventive Maintenance at Bill Volz’s Westchester Chrysler Dodge Jeep

The service team at Bill Volz’s Westchester Chrysler Dodge Jeep offers a full menu of preventive care car services, such as oil changes, transmission fluid checks and changes, brake replacements, tire rotations, and replacements, battery replacements, and check engine light diagnoses. Our team is committed to helping spot problems before they become expensive repairs. Our certified technicians also provide rehabilitation in an accident or other type of malfunction. 

Bill Volz’s Westchester is a full-service dealership that offers new and used cars and a finance department. Call us or contact us online to discuss your needs.

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