4 Simple Tips To Help Keep Your Car Out Of The Shop

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 08, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- We here at Delta Auto Protect know how much it can hurt your wallet when something unexpected happens to your vehicle and you have to bring it to the shop. That's why we put our brains together to make a list of some of the best tips to help you keep your car from a trip to the mechanic.

1. Never ignore your check engine/warning lights
This may seem like a no brainer to most of you, but you would not believe the number of people that drive around every day with one or more of these lights on. These lights are essentially part of your vehicle's computer. When they light up, it's the computer trying to tell you something isn't operating the way it should be. Ignoring these problems can potentially make whatever the issue is worse with time. When any of these lights come on, take your car to the mechanic. There, they can run a diagnostic check with one of their computers that connect to your car and tells them a code that correlates to the problem. Potential issues can be as small as a loose gas cap to as serious as a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Once your mechanic finds out what's wrong, the two of you can decide whether it is an issue that needs to be fixed now or if it's an issue that can be fixed at a later and more convenient point and time

2. Make a routine vehicle maintenance checklist
Not every average Joe is a trained mechanic, but there's a number of things the average person can do to help maintain their vehicle. Use the nifty tool provided below or check your owner's manual for a more custom vehicle maintenance checklist.

Lights: Check headlights, brakelights, and signal lamps. Have any burnt out bulb replaced.
Interior: Clean and maintain the interior of your vehicle.
Fluids: Check fluid level for coolant, windshield washer, brake and power steering compartments. Replenish any that have fallen below the recommended amount.
Tires: Maintain proper tire pressure and look for tread damage.
Brakes: Take note of any unusual noises or a loss in stopping power.
Oil: Always check and change your oil every five to ten thousand miles. Consult your owner's manual for the best option.
Windows: Look for and take note of any scratches or small cracks.

3. Fill your vehicle with the proper fluids
If you replenish the fluids in your car yourself always make sure you follow the owner's manual carefully. The correct type of fluid as well as the accuracy of the amount of fluid counts. For example, if you add the incorrect type of brake fluid, you can potentially harm the seals and create a leak. Mixing different types of coolants can adversely affect your car's cooling system.

4. Get your alignment checked after hitting a large pothole or curb
Hitting a large pothole or riding onto a curb too aggressively can throw your car out of alignment. You can notice this if your car drifts/pulls to a certain direction when you are trying to go as straight as possible. If your car is out of alignment it can cause additional wear to your tires, which aren't a cheap fix if you continue to drive your car out of alignment. In severe cases, this sort of tire wear could even cause a blowout.

With these tips, you can use your best judgement to help keep your car out of the shop for as long as possible while potentially avoiding even bigger problems from developing from ones that seem insignificant.

Since inception, Delta Auto Protect has been servicing Vehicle Owners with dedicated quality care and providing comprehensive coverage to all drivers nationwide. Since the beginning, our goal has been to provide exceptional service, eliminating delays, and developing the industry standard for Extended Vehicle Service Programs. How do we do it? Delta Auto Protect is staffed with ASE certified technicians who work for you. Our staff speaks directly with your repair center and provides coverage authorization in a timely manner directly over the phone.

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