Tips for Safe Winter Driving

There's some basic upkeep that every vehicle needs to ensure that it keeps running efficiently. Most experts recommend a thorough tune-up every 30,000 miles or so (some stretch it to 50,0000), but some things should be checked/serviced more frequently.   If you're trying to save some money these days, you can do a lot of these things in an afternoon. Of course, if you're even a little bit shy around spark plugs or socket wrenches, the service experts at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Fairless Hills, PA stand ready to help you out (at a very affordable price).   Still, if you’d like to tackle these routine maintenance chores, here are some tips.   REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS The best time to check your spark plugs is at night when you can better spot any "sparks" or arcs as the engine idles. If you do see any sparks, that's a sign that the plug may be damaged. One more way to check is to use a spray bottle of water and spritz around the ends of the plug: if there are arcs or you hear a "snap-crack" sound, that indicates that your wires could be leaking, exposed or cracked. Get yourself some new plugs ASAP.   INSTALL A NEW AIR FILTER It’s good practice to replace this between 15,000 and 30,000 miles, sooner if you smell something funny when you start the engine. When you remove it, remember the direction it was facing; vacuum or wipe down the filter box. Install the new filter and reattach the cover.   CHANGE THE OIL For this, you'll need gloves, goggles, a funnel, box-end wrench, oil filter wrench, and a pan to drain the old oil into. Oh, and compatible fresh oil! To start, park on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Let the engine run for about a minute to help the old oil become less thick, but don't let it run too long or the oil will be too hot to handle. Use a car jack and stands to raise the vehicle. Open the hood, locate the oil fill cap on top of the engine, and remove it. Get under the engine and place the pan beneath; remove the oil drain plug with the wrench and let it drain.   Use the oil filter wrench to remove it and wipe off the mounting with a clean rag. Coat the new filter gasket with some fresh oil and install it by hand until the gasket connects to the filter mount. Give it an extra turn to seal it and reinstall the oil drain plug using a new washer.   Now, head back to the top of the engine and refill with the recommended type of oil in your owner’s manual. Put the cap on, and let the engine run for a bit to check for any leaks. If there are none, lower the car and use a dipstick to check the levels.   These are three easy maintenance tips, but if you aren't quite sure of yourself – or don't have the time – the service department at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Fairless Hills, PA can handle them and have you in and out in a flash.

There's one step beyond a simple washing of your car, truck, or SUV – and it's called "detailing." Detailing is kind of a deep-cleaning of your vehicle. It doesn't just make it sparkle and shine, it helps in maintaining future resale value. Sure, some places will do it for you, but that service can be expensive. Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Fairless Hills, PA wants to help you save money, so here are some DIY tips that will keep your budget intact. Start with the inside. Once you do the routine clearing out of coffee cups and vacuuming up dirt, tackle any stains on the upholstery. For this, all you need is dish soap, warm water, and a sponge. Tougher stains respond well to either club soda or a paste of ¼ cup baking soda and a cup of warm water. Let it sit, scrub it, then wipe down. Allow time for the fabric to dry. Instead of pricey “detailing” lotions, put a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth to make plastic pieces, vinyl, and leather and get them shining like new. If your vehicle carries odors from fast foods, cigarettes, stinky sporting equipment of whatever, the service experts at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Fairless Hills, PA have some easy tips. Placing a small bag of charcoal under the front seat is one effective way: charcoal has long been a "go-to" for eliminating nasty smells. Alternately, a few scented dryer sheets will work. If you have some extra time, sprinkle scented baking soda throughout and let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Now to the exterior. You can pass on the expensive “detailing” soaps on the market, but hold up - using dish soap can affect the paint and any protective coatings. To get your Peruzzi Mitsubishi vehicle looking great, put a few drops of ordinary hair conditioner in warm water. Not only will the exterior shine, but it will also repel water. When it comes to your windows, avoid things like Windex which – like with the paint – can affect the glass and any tinting. Instead, mix vinegar and water to wipe off any gunk. Newspapers work better than paper towels for this, and they won’t leave you with irritating paper “flecks.” Detailing your Peruzzi vehicle doesn't have to be expensive. Use our "hacks" to make your car, truck or SUV look like new; it's an investment of time that will pay off.

When times are tough, everyone tightens their belt. While it's easy to do things like cooking at home versus eating out, some tasks are best left to the professionals. Caring for your vehicle is one of those things. And while it may be tempting to tackle car care chores on your own, you could be at risk for screwing it up, thus creating a bigger repair bill. The service department at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Quakertown, PA is always available to handle these important service issues, quickly and affordably. Best of all, no appointment is needed! ROTATING TIRES It’s important to keep an eye on your tires and to rotate them so that they “wear” evenly. That provides better traction, safety, and stability. During a tire rotation, an expert service person can also spot anything odd (like potentially dangerous bulges.) If you want to do it yourself, you're going to need the right equipment, like a sturdy floor jack. It's simpler - and safer - to leave it to the pros. BRAKE REPAIR It happens more than you'd think: a home repair job where the brake pads are installed… backwards. That results in pads that wear out much faster and metal-against-metal issues that lead to costly repairs. Perhaps you don’t know the exact right parts to get, or how to lubricate key components? Brakes are essential, so leave any brake work to expert service mechanics, like the ones at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Quakertown, PA. FLUID REPLACEMENTS From oil to brake to transmission fluids, regularly replacing these vital elements isn’t always as simple as it seems. DIY types can become distracted and the correct levels are frequently missed. Better to have a service expert who knows their way around these things, so that you won’t create a bigger problem for yourself and can be worry-free on the road. While it may be tempting to just Google a "how-to" on your car, you’ll do better to have certain car servicing issues handled by folks who know what they’re doing. If you need help with your vehicle, contact the service department at Peruzzi Mitsubishi in Quakertown, PA for reliable, affordable help. And remember, no appointment is needed!