Did you just buy a new Dodge? If so, congratulations! You have purchased a car from one of America’s most storied car manufacturers. Naturally, you’d like to keep your new Dodge in pristine condition as along as possible. Thankfully, there are a number of things that you can do to keep your Dodge in tip-top condition. Here’s our list.
Know Your Dodge
All the operation details involved with using your new Dodge are covered by your owner’s manual. Typically they are stored in your glovebox but if you want one in electronic form, click here.
Spend some time getting to know your Dodge by perusing your manual. You’ll want to locate the sections that contain information on your Dodge’s engine oil, tires, transmission, and more. If you have any questions about these specifications, contact your local Dodge dealership.
Change Oil Regularly
The fundamentals of any cars maintenance involve keeping your fluids topped off. At the top of this list is your Dodge’s oil supply. Every vehicle needs clean oil in order to operate efficiently and prevent engine damage. For your new Dodge, Roberts Dodge of Meridan, CT suggests you check your manual for its recommendations on frequency of oil changes. Your manual will also give you details on recommended types of oil, amount, and the filter itself.
Maintain Tire Health
No matter what set of tires you’ve got on your Dodge, get in the habit of scanning them for damage and wear. Its amazing how few people do this. Recognizing signs of tire distress early on can prevent problems down the road. Common signs of damage include any bulges, cuts, or gouges, in the tire treads. Especially pay attention to any signs of uneven tread wear on the surface of the tires themselves.
You should make sure you get your Dodge’s wheels rotated and aligned at least once a year. Regular alignment and rotation ensures that your tires maintain even tread as they wear.
Check your manual for the optimum tire pressure for your Dodge’s wheels. If you want to achieve the best gas mileage and keep the tires wearing evenly, check and top off your tire’s air pressure every month.
Monitor Fluids
Besides your Dodge’s oil, monitor the other critical fluids under the hood too. These include power steering, coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluid. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unclear about where these fluids are located.
While you’re busy under the hood, do a quick scan of other engine parts. Check for any corrosion around your battery terminals, for example. Note any bulges or wear in rubber piping or tubing. Take your car to a mechanic if you see anything.
Your Dodge Maintenance Plan
At the end of the day, you will help your Dodge last a lot longer than usual if you are attentive. Inspect your vehicle on a weekly basis so that you can discover problems before they become damaged.