1. Check and change your engine oil

One of the most critical things you can do for your car is to check and change your engine oil regularly. Engine oil "nourishes" your vehicle as it lubricates the engine parts and prevents them from overheating. Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective, so it's important to change it every few months, 5,000 miles, or as specified in your car's owner's manual.

If you're unsure how to check or change your engine oil, you can always schedule a routine service with us and ask one of our qualified technicians for future tips.

2. Take care of your tires

Are you aware that properly inflated tires can both improve your gas mileage and help to prevent flats? 

Automotive maintenance experts recommend that you check your tires regularly for wear and tear, and to make sure that they are properly inflated. In addition to this, you should have your tires rotated about every 3,000-5,000 miles to ensure even wear.

If you notice any damage to your tires, such as cracks or bald spots, we advise that you take them in for repair or replacement. Our qualified mechanics would be happy to service your tires in order to help extend their life and keep you traveling safely!

3. Keep your lights shining!

As any automotive technician will tell you, cleaning your headlights and taillights is a crucial part of routine car maintenance. Not only does headlight restoration help to keep your car looking its best, but it also improves visibility on the road by up to 40 percent.

Always remember that headlights and taillights can become obscured by dirt, grime, and road debris, making it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle. Regular cleaning helps to ensure that your lights are visible, making it easier for drivers to see your car and react accordingly. 

4. Be kind to your brakes

One crucial aspect of automotive maintenance is brake service, as brakes are subject to a lot of wear and tear and can easily become damaged if they are not serviced regularly.

Worn-out brake pads can reduce braking power and increase stopping distance. Though replacing brake pads is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair, if you wait too long, it's a different story: you may need to replace the rotors as well, which is a much more expensive repair.

Have your brakes inspected regularly, and make sure to have your brake pads replaced according to your car owner's manual or as soon as they are showing signs of wear! Our team of top-of-the-line mechanics would be happy to ensure the safety of your brakes.

5. Inspect your belts and hoses

Belts and hoses are two key components of your car that should be regularly checked and replaced as needed and according to your manufacturer's guidelines.

The engine belt drives the alternator, water pump, and other accessories. Over time, the belt can stretch or crack, causing it to slip or break. This can lead to the engine overheating or battery failure. 

Hoses carry coolant and oil throughout the engine. They can become brittle and crack over time, resulting in leaks. A cracked hose can cause an engine to overheat or lose oil pressure, leading to serious damage. 

Having your belts and hoses inspected for signs of wear can help prevent costly repairs down the road!

6. Keep your battery clean

One area of automotive maintenance that is often overlooked is battery care. A bad battery can cause starting problems or even leave you stranded on the side of the road!

Most car batteries only last for three to four years, so it's important to have them checked regularly to ensure they are still in good condition.

Signs that your battery may need to be replaced include:

• Dim headlights

• Slow engine cranking

• Unexplained electrical issues

If you're unsure about the condition of your battery, take it to a qualified automotive technician at one of our 11 service locations for a professional opinion. Taking care of your car's battery is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that will help keep your car on the road for years to come.

7. Remember to replace the "small" stuff

When it comes to replacing car parts, many people only think of the big items, such as the engine or transmission. Nope! It's important to remember the small stuff too. 

Items like your wipers and air filter may seem insignificant, but they play a vital role in keeping your car running properly. 

Wipers are responsible for keeping your windshield clear and maintaining visibility, while air filters help to keep your engine clean and running smoothly. Having these items replaced as needed can help to extend the life of your car and avoid more serious problems later on.

8. Don't forget coolant!

As part of your regular automotive maintenance, it's important to keep an eye on one of your vehicle's most impactful fluids: coolant.

Coolant levels have a direct effect on the overall health of your vehicle. If your coolant is low, your engine could overheat. This could lead to expensive repairs or even a total engine replacement!

We suggest having your coolant checked at least twice per year-as summer and winter approach.

Schedule a routine maintenance appointment at one of our 11 Hennessy dealerships today and make sure to ask about your coolant levels. Doing so could save you time and money in the long run!

Need a Recap?

By now, you should have eight essential automotive maintenance tips in your toolbelt to ensure that your vehicle runs excellently for years to come.

To recap:

• Check and change your engine oil on a regular basis

• Take care of your tires - keep them properly inflated and rotated

• Keep your headlights and taillights clean to improve visibility

• Monitor your brake pads and replace them when needed

• Don't forget to have your belts and hoses inspected

• Keep your battery clean (no corrosion!) and know when it's time to replace

• Remember to replace the "small" stuff too, like your wipers and air filter

• Stay on top of your coolant levels

As the end of summer is approaching, it's about that time to bring your car into the shop for routine maintenance. Our Summer Road Trip Service Bundle is active through Labor Day and covers all of the essentials needed to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. Be sure to check out our service specials page for the Hennessy dealership that your service is scheduled at for more details!

Find one of our 11 conveniently located dealerships around Metro Atlanta: Jaguar Land Rover Buckhead, Jaguar Land Rover North Atlanta, Jaguar Land Rover Gwinnett, Hennessy Buick GMC, Hennessy Mazda, Hennessy Porsche North Atlanta, Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, Hennessy Lexus of Atlanta, Hennessy Cadillac, Hennessy Ford Lincoln Atlanta, and Hennessy Honda.

At Hennessy Automobile Companies, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. From our family to yours, safe travels!