Seasonal Car Care

Seasonal Vehicle Maintenance Tips at Red Bluff CDJR 

Keeping your vehicle in top condition year-round is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. At Red Bluff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our service and parts center are here to ensure your car, truck, or SUV runs smoothly in every season. Here's a guide to maintaining your vehicle during each season, with expert tips from our certified technicians near Redding, California. 

Spring Maintenance: Post-Winter Cleanup 

• Tire Maintenance: Make sure you change from your snow or winter tires to regular all season. This is a perfect time to rotate them to extend the life of the set.   
• Wiper Blades: Cold temps are hard on rubber components and when salt comes into the mix, it deteriorates even faster. Make sure you check the wiper fluid, too! 
• Brake Inspection: Listen for brake noises such as grinding, chatter, or squeals. Even if you don't hear anything, it always helps to have a Mopar-certified technician to determine the wear on the pads or drums. We get used to worn-down brakes without noticing.   
• Fluid Check: Top off as necessary. Winter driving conditions require your engine to work harder and condensation can cause moisture buildup in the engine and creates wear.

Summer Maintenance: Preparing for Heat and Traffic 

• Air Conditioning: Make sure your air conditioning system blows cold air. If it's not working properly, bring your vehicle in for an inspection and recharge at our Red Bluff, CA service center. 
• Cooling System: Would you believe the most common cause of summer breakdowns is overheating? The cooling system should be flushed and refilled with factory-approved coolant. The coolant level and condition should be checked at every oil change. Remember - never remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled. 
• Oil Change: The hot weather can be hard on your oil and engine in addition to the extra summer miles you'll be driving. Make sure you're getting your regular interval scheduled oil changes. 
• Brake Inspection: Always inspect your brakes and feel for any pulsations, grabbing, noises, or increased stopping distances.  

Fall & Winter Maintenance: Preparing for Cold and Snow 

• Heater & Defroster: Ensure your heater and defroster are in good working condition for comfort and visibility. Get any issues checked before the cold weather sets in. 
• Battery Health: Batteries typically last 3-5 years, and wintertime failures are common due to increased cold-starting electrical loads. The best way to identify a weak batter is with professional test equipment. Routine care can help make your battery last longer.  
• Lights: Winter has less sunlight so your headlights will be on much more often. Inspect all lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Wiper Blades: Cold weather and salt can damage wiper blades. Start the season with fresh blades and fluid for a clean windshield and confident winter driving. 
• Emergency Gear: Prepare for winter by carrying essential emergency gear: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a flashlight, a shovel, sand or kitty litter, and tire chains. It's also a good idea to keep snacks and water in your vehicle. 

Visit Our Service & Parts Center near Corning, CA 

Keep your Jeep Wrangler or Ram 1500 performing at its best with expert service and genuine parts from Red Bluff CDJR. Whether you're preparing for seasonal changes or need regular maintenance, we've got you covered. To stay ahead of the seasons, you can order parts now and be sure to take advantage of our parts specials. If you're looking to stay proactive with your vehicle, consider scheduling a check-up, such as a battery test or brake inspection, to make sure everything is running smoothly. Contact our team in Red Bluff, CA today for more information on how to stay on track with your vehicle's maintenance and seasonal needs!