We're highlighting car care tips, to take your vehicle that extra mile. Preventative maintenance can keep small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive problems.
Exterior Car Care
Regularly wash and wax your car.
Keeping the exterior free from road salt, pollen, and tree sap can help your paint job last and prevent rust.
Choose between automatic and handwash
Automatic car washes are convenient and quick, but they may not be as gentle on your car’s paint as a hand wash.
Fix the dents and dings
A dent cracks your car’s sealant over the paint, leading the way for rust and corrosion to jump right in.
Use dressing on your tires
Prevent your tires from prematurely aging with tire dressings that are labeled as shine creators and tire protectors.
Check the bulbs
Regularly check your vehicle for burned out headlights or signal lights to stay safe on the roads at night and in bad weather conditions.
Change wiper blades and fluid
Wiper fluid and wiper blades keep your windshield clear but over time the rubber can become cracked, misshapen, or stiff.
Interior Car Care
Make sure the defroster works
Essential for getting rid of icy or foggy windows, your defroster system could be affected by malfunctioning buttons, problems in the vents, low antifreeze or even a blockage in the fresh air intake.
Test the air conditioner
Starting your vehicle’s AC regularly can make sure you’re aware of any issues before they become larger problems.
Detail the cabin area
Just like cleaning your home, deep cleaning the carpet, leather, and surfaces of your car will keep it fresh and protected.
Lose the clutter
Jackets or blankets that seem to be covering valuables in your car could tempt potential thieves, but just plain upholstery isn’t likely to attract interest.
Change the air filter
The air filter can become stiff and brittle over time so changing it will keep the air in your car’s cabin fresh and clean.
Keep touchscreens clean
A microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol won’t damage your anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings.
Engine Car Care
Replace fluids
Watch for leaks on the ground and regularly check the levels of your coolant, wiper fluid, and oil.
Test your battery
Most automotive parts stores can do a free battery check, so you aren’t caught off guard when your battery stops holding a charge.
Watch for aging belts and hoses
Your mechanic can check to make sure your belts and hoses are connected and secure when you take your car in for an oil change.
The Bottom Line
Always refer to your owner’s manual to find the best preventative maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Breakdowns can happen when you least expect it, but the Synchrony Car Car credit card can help you stay on the road with six months promotional financing on parts, service, and repairs of $199 or more. Plus, it’s accepted at 1 million+ auto merchants and gas stations nationwide across all major gas brands.** Be prepared and find a location or apply for your card today.
The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for car repairs promptly, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Learn more and apply now.