Car Care Tips

At Rapco Automotive Centers, we want our customers to take better care of their vehicles. Philadelphia roads and driving conditions can take a toll, so it pays to take good care of your car, truck, or SUV if you want to keep it running at its best.

Our locations in Philadelphia and Upper Darby proudly serve the automotive needs of drivers throughout the region. When you need auto repair or tires near Hunting Park, Feltonville, Franklinville, Nicetown, or other areas of North Philadelphia, trust our location at 1620 W Hunting Park Ave. We're minutes from W Luzerne Street and Wayne Junction.

If you live in Upper Darby and need a convenient auto repair and tire shop along the West Chester Pike, we can help! Our location at 5 E Township Line Road in Upper Darby is convenient to Llanerch, Bywood, Havertown, West Gate Hills, Penn Wynne, Aronimink, West Philadelphia, and all of Delaware County.

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 are essential to overall vehicle maintenance. But when the time for necessary auto repairs arrives, remember where to turn: Rapco Automotive Centers.

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 regular 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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