Car Maintenance: Understanding Your Vehicle

A Woman’s Guide

At O’Brien Services, we believe that every driver should feel confident about their vehicle’s maintenance needs. This guide will help you understand basic car care, know what to check, and recognize when it’s time to seek professional help.

Essential Maintenance Checks You Can Do Yourself

1. Tire Pressure and Condition

What to Check:

  • Tire pressure (monthly and before long trips)
  • Tread wear
  • Bulges or damage
  • Uneven wear patterns

How to Check:

  • Use a tire pressure gauge when tires are cold
  • Insert gauge into valve stem to read pressure
  • Compare to manufacturer’s recommendations (found on driver’s door jamb)
  • Check tread depth using a penny (Lincoln’s head should be partially hidden)

When to Call Us:

  • If pressure consistently drops
  • When tread wear is uneven
  • If you spot bulges or damage
  • When tires are more than 5 years old

2. Oil Level

What to Check:

  • Oil level
  • Oil color and consistency
  • Oil change interval

How to Check:

  • Park on level ground
  • Wait 5 minutes after engine shutdown
  • Pull dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert
  • Pull again to check level
  • Look for dark or dirty oil

When to Call Us:

  • If oil level is consistently low
  • When oil is very dark or dirty
  • At recommended change intervals
  • If you notice oil spots under your car

3. Dashboard Warning Lights

What to Check:

  • Check engine light
  • Battery light
  • Oil pressure light
  • Brake system light
  • Tire pressure light

How to Monitor:

  • Know what each light means (check owner’s manual)
  • Note when lights appear
  • Record any patterns
  • Document driving conditions when lights appear

When to Call Us:

  • If warning lights stay on
  • When multiple lights appear
  • If lights flash or change patterns
  • For diagnostic scanning

4. Windshield Washer Fluid

What to Check:

  • Fluid level
  • Spray function
  • Wiper blade condition

How to Check:

  • Open hood and locate washer fluid reservoir
  • Check fluid level
  • Test spray function
  • Inspect wiper blades for wear

How to Fix:

  • Add washer fluid when low
  • Clean wiper blades with rubbing alcohol
  • Replace worn wiper blades (many auto parts stores will help)

5. Battery

What to Check:

  • Battery terminals
  • Corrosion
  • Secure connections
  • Battery age

How to Check:

  • Visually inspect terminals for corrosion (white or green buildup)
  • Ensure connections are tight
  • Look for manufacturing date
  • Check for swelling or damage

When to Call Us:

  • If battery is over 3 years old
  • When you notice slow starting
  • If there’s visible corrosion
  • For battery testing

Essential Safety Checks

Brake System

What to Notice:

  • Squealing or grinding noises
  • Vibration when braking
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distance

When to Call Us:

  • If you notice any brake symptoms
  • For regular brake inspections
  • When brake fluid is low
  • If brake warning light appears

Lights and Signals

What to Check:

  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals
  • Hazard lights

How to Check:

  • Test all lights with help from a friend
  • Check at night against a wall
  • Look for dim or flickering lights
  • Check for condensation in lenses

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring/Summer

  • Check air conditioning
  • Inspect coolant levels
  • Test battery
  • Check tire pressure

Fall/Winter

  • Test heater and defroster
  • Check antifreeze
  • Inspect wipers
  • Verify all lights work

When to Schedule Professional Service

Regular Maintenance:

  • Oil changes (check owner’s manual for intervals)
  • Tire rotations (every 5,000-7,000 miles)
  • Brake inspections (every 12,000 miles)
  • Multi-point inspections (twice yearly)

Emergency Service:

Call us immediately if you experience:

  • Strange noises
  • Vibrations
  • Warning lights
  • Brake issues
  • Steering problems
  • Unusual smells

How O’Brien Services Can Help

We offer:

  • Free maintenance consultations
  • Detailed explanations of needed repairs
  • Written estimates
  • Quality parts and service
  • Honest recommendations
  • Educational resources

Our Promise to You:

  • We’ll explain repairs in clear terms
  • Show you the problems we find
  • Respect your decisions
  • Never pressure you into unnecessary repairs
  • Keep you informed throughout the process
  • Answer all your questions

Schedule Your Service

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you:

  • Have questions about your vehicle
  • Notice something unusual
  • Need routine maintenance
  • Want a professional inspection
  • Feel uncertain about a car problem
  • Need emergency repairs

Contact O’Brien Services today to schedule an appointment or ask questions about your vehicle’s maintenance needs. Our experienced team is here to help you maintain your vehicle safely and reliably.