Do you own a fleet of Ram trucks? You’re in luck. To honor Fall Car Care Month, Mopar—FCA’s service, parts, and customer-care brand—helps customers prepare for the changing weather and driving conditions with these seven tips. Even if you’re not a Ram truck owner or don’t employ an FCA vehicle in your fleet, the tips are still worth noting. Check out Mopar’s tips below.
1. DRIVE INFREQUENTLY USED VEHICLES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK
For vehicles used infrequently during this time, customers should refer to vehicle-storage information in their owner’s manual. If a vehicle is to be parked long-term driving the vehicle for 15 to 20 minutes at least once a week will help maintain its health in the following areas.
To help maintain battery life and keep the engine fluids in good operating condition, vehicles should be started at least once a week and idle in Park for 15 to 20 minutes with all accessories turned off. An even better practice is to drive the vehicle for 15 to 20 minutes once a week if possible.
Driving for 15 to 20 minutes once a week helps prevent flat spots on tires. If the vehicle cannot be driven, inflate the tires to 7.5 psi higher than the recommended pressure for longer periods of downtime.
When driven once a week, infrequently used vehicles are less prone to brake-rotor rust.
2. KEEP TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED
Nothing is more important to the life of tire tread than proper inflation. Consistent tire-pressure checks keep tires performing at their best. See recommended pressures indicated on the driver’s-side door sticker. Additionally, inspect tires for uneven wear and tear in order to determine if a tire rotation is needed.
3. CHANGE OIL AS RECOMMENDED
Engine oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle; changing the oil at recommended intervals extends engine life and helps prevent major repairs during any season.
4. CHECK BATTERY HEALTH
The summer heat can damage battery life and cause failure in the winter. Now is an ideal time to check a battery and replace it if necessary.
5. INSPECT BRAKES
City traffic, towing, and aggressive driving can shorten brake life. To avoid costly repairs, inspect pads, rotors, drums, calipers, and other hardware.
6. REPLACE WIPER BLADES
Visible streaks or squeaky noises are signs that wiper blades need to be replaced. Check for wear and tear including cracks or splits in order to guarantee maximum visibility.
7. UPGRADE VEHICLE INTERIOR
Quality floor mats contain everything that is tracked, dropped, or spilled inside a vehicle.
When replacing mats, consider Mopar’s durable, easy-to-clean all-weather floor mats, constructed using proprietary, Original Equipment data not available to the aftermarket and featuring deep drain channels and rigid sidewalls to contain slush, snow, and other spills.
