Silver car driving on road

Spring is right around the corner, which means picnics, road trips, and spring cleaning. Part of your spring cleaning checklist should include vehicle maintenance, and we’ve created the ultimate car maintenance list to check off as the seasons turn. 

Oil and Filter

Different vehicles may require more or less frequent oil changes. For example, most older vehicles recommend an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. On the other hand, a newer model might call for an oil change at the 10,000-mile mark. Check your owner’s manual for oil change recommendations, and don’t forget to give the oil levels a quick check when you hit the fuel station. 

Fluids

Oil isn’t the only important fluid in your vehicle. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake and power steering fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid all require frequent checks to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent repairs. Although we don’t experience too many extreme temperature fluctuations in the Bay Area, it’s still a good idea to check your fluids as seasons change.

Tires

Properly maintained tires increase your fuel economy and keep you safe on the road. Check the pressure and tread on each tire, including the spare. It may also be time to rotate your tires to increase their longevity and keep your vehicle well-balanced. Rotating your tires helps the tread wear evenly to help them last longer and perform better. Read here to learn more about how to tell when it’s time for new tires.

Lights

Your vehicle’s lights perform an essential function, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. The headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and cabin lights should all be checked frequently. 

Battery

Nobody expects to head out for a trip only to find their car won’t start. A dead battery is a major inconvenience, so inspect the battery and cables to ensure there’s no corrosion and perform a battery test often.

Exterior

When was the last time you waxed your car or applied other protection products? Sun, weather, and regular driving can cause chips and cracks in your paint. To keep your car looking its best, regularly wash it off and wax at regular intervals.

Black car being washed
Man standing in front of car with headlights on in the dark

Maintain Your Vehicle at Carnamic

Whether you need the full checklist worth of maintenance or just one task, the Carnamic team is here to help. Visit one of our Bay Area service centers for specialized service tailored to your vehicle or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Field of Shamrocks

Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up soon on March 17, 2024. Since the holiday lands on a Sunday this year, there’s a whole weekend of potential Bay Area fun done the Irish way. From parades and celebrations to drinks and dancing, Carnamic is giving our Bay Area neighbors some ideas for the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2024. 

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Yellow toy car

When it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, most people pay with a car loan. It’s one of the largest – and most important – purchases a person can make. Car loans sound simple; you borrow money for your car and pay it back over time along with interest. However, there’s more to consider than the basics when it comes time to finance a new or used vehicle. Keep reading to learn about which factors impact your auto loan the most.

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View of the Golden Gate Bridge from a Distance

Whether the Bay Area is your destination or your starting point, there’s no better way to ring in the new year than to plan your next vacation. Of course, the Carnamic team thinks that the best way to vacation is to take a road trip, so we’ve come up with some of our favorite Bay Area road trip ideas for 2024.

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2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Cargo Area with Rear Liftgate Up

One of the top features many car shoppers look for is the right amount of cargo space. Some vehicles might have a compact trunk while others offer a versatile cargo area with ample storage. How can you tell how much extra space you actually need? Follow along with Carnamic to find a vehicle with the right amount of cargo space for you.

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New tire with tread

Many drivers overlook the importance of well-kept tires. Either they simply don’t think of their tires or don’t want another expense; however, neglected tires can leave you stranded on the side of the road or worse. Luckily, though, there are some basic signs that you need new tires.

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Aerial view of car driving on road through forest

Thanks to their money and fuel-saving technology, more Bay Area drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles. That’s not to mention the tax incentives, access to HOV lanes, and other perks of EV ownership. If you’re considering going electric, you probably have lots of questions about EVs. One of our most frequently asked questions regarding electric vehicles is: how long does the battery last and how far can the EV drive on a single charge?

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Cut out hearts scattered on floor

We’re well into the New Year, and that means that the season of love is almost here. Get some ideas for a classic or fresh way to spend Valentine’s Day right here in the Bay Area.

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Dec 21, 2023

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Golden Gate Bridge with Lights on at Dusk

No matter how carefully you treat your vehicle, it will eventually require service. In fact, regular service and routine maintenance are the best ways to care for your car. At Carnamic, we offer top-quality vehicle service all across the Bay Area. Whether it’s a quick oil change, brake service, or full vehicle inspection, Carnamic’s service team has you covered with locations in San Leandro, San Jose, Redwood City, and Hayward.

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