Car Care Tips

At Lockhart Tire, we want to make sure that your car is running at its best. 

If you live in the areas of Pittsburgh, PA, Monroeville, PA, or Allison Park, PA, you can trust our Pittsburgh auto repair shop to deliver quality service and advice you can trust. 

When it comes to keeping your car running efficiently and effectively, rely on our service team to give you the best advice - but there are things you can do on your own to make sure that your car, truck, or SUV is working as it should be. 

What’s the key to keeping your car running for a long time? Following the recommended maintenance intervals outlined in your owner’s manual and checking for potential problems before they happen. It's that simple. 

When you take the time to really listen (and look) at your vehicle, you can address problems earlier, which will save you time, hassle, and money in the long run. Stay on top of vehicle maintenance - it's well worth it!

But sometimes, you just need your car fixed.  When the time for necessary auto repairs arrives, remember where to turn: Lockhart Tire. Our auto repair shop in Pittsburgh is ready to handle everything from PA vehicle inspections and oil changes to brake repairs and TPMS sensor repair. 

We proudly serve the auto repair needs of Monroeville, Allison Park, and of course, our hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. 

In the meantime, be sure to follow our car care tips to ensure that your car is running at its best. Have questions? Need help? Give us a call and our friendly team of ASE-certified mechanics can assist!

Follow the car care tips below to keep your vehicle running reliably:

• Change the oil within the suggested service intervals. Checking and changing your oil and oil filter will help your engine and vehicle run smoothly. While changing your oil as required is important, using the manufacturer’s recommended oil for your vehicle can improve gas mileage by 1-2%.
• Moving components require regular lubrication and should be checked as often as the oil is changed. Driveline components, like CV and u-joints, are flexible components that, if not properly lubricated, can break down and cause other major components to go with them.
• Transmission and differential fluid are other important fluids to check during service intervals. Unusual noises, sluggish shifting, or abrupt gear changes are all signs that your transmission service interval is quickly approaching or has passed. For fluid specifications, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommended transmission fluid type and viscosity.
• Pay attention to battery life. Battery connections should be kept tight, clean, and free of corrosion. Batteries rarely provide warnings before failing, so be sure to seek battery replacements as necessary.
• Brake fluid can attract moisture, which will corrode components. Brake fluid should be replaced once a year to keep calipers, hoses, and other components in top operating condition. Other important fluids to consider changing on a regular basis include power steering fluid and coolant. Each fluid has its own service interval, so be sure to check with the manufacturer.
• Fully functioning climate control systems are important to your comfort and your overall safety. A complete flush and fill of the coolant system is necessary for ridding the system of dirt and rust collected from the engine, radiator, and various hoses. Refrigerant may also be checked prior to the onset of warmer seasons.
• Wheel alignments can realign your wheels to your manufacturer’s specifications. Wheel alignments improve straight-line tracking and reduce tire wear. If you feel unusual pulling to one side, it is time for a wheel alignment.
• Avoid stop-and-go driving. This wastes fuel and adds unnecessary wear and premature age to crucial components.

By following these tips and the service intervals listed inside your owner’s manual, you can guard against major repairs and unexpected failures. Proper vehicle maintenance can save you money in the long run, and improve your safety and the safety of your passengers, while neglecting suggested services at recommended intervals will void vehicle and parts warranties.

Stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance and visit us today or contact us online when your vehicle needs to be serviced by our professionals.

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