10 Basic Car-Care Tips to Share with Your Customers

It comes as no surprise that, for many of your customers, visiting your store for an oil change is about the only car-care service they actively perform on their vehicles. I’m sure you’ve seen more than your fair share of cars that were in sad shape; cars that nearly had to be pushed into the oil-change bay.

Among other things, you’ve likely serviced cars with balding tires, frayed belts, cracked windshields, doors that won’t open or nearly opaque transmission fluid. You’ve seen it all and, more importantly, seen what not to do to keep a car properly running.

Why not share some of that general car-care know-how with your customers? Obviously, many of them need the advice.

Automatically — and understandably — your customers view you and your technicians as car-care experts, so any tips coming from you will be viewed as very valuable. Sharing basic car-care advice will show you care about more than selling your customers an oil change; you care about their cars and their safety.

Most of you already perform the simple inspections of tires, engine fluids, belts and hoses, but consider being proactive in communicating to your customers that you are making those inspections and why.

Here are 10 easy, yet highly effective, tips to share with your customers:

Cooling System – When the engine is cold, check the coolant and make sure the radiator fins have not been clogged by dirt or debris. Be sure to keep fingers away from the electric cooling fan while doing this and never remove the radiator cap if the engine is warm. In addition to coolant, drivers should keep an eye on the oil level and the fluids for power steering, brakes and transmission.

Temperature Gauge – If the temperature gauge moves into the red zone or the high temperature warning light goes on, a driver should pull over to a safe location and stop the engine. Do not open the radiator cap. Driving a car while the engine is overheated can cause serious damage.

Oil – When the temperatures are high, engines need oil that provides extra protection. Fully synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1, makes a good choice. Additionally, drivers should consider switching to a fuel-efficient motor oil. Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, for example, can deliver up to 2 percent fuel economy improvement and will protect the engine in extreme temperatures. (This fuel economy improvement is based on a comparison versus those grades most commonly used and a potential 2 percent fuel economy improvement. Actual savings are dependent upon vehicle/engine type, outside temperature, driving conditions and the current engine oil viscosity.)

Belts and Hoses – Between trips to the quick lube, inspect all belts and hoses, looking for signs of wear such as blistering or cracks in the rubber. If they show signs of wear, replace them immediately.

Tires – In high heat, under-inflated tires are more likely to blow out. Once a month, drivers should check the pressure of all tires. To find the correct pressure rating for a vehicle, look inside the driver’s doorframe or the owner’s manual.

Windshield Wipers – The rubber on the wiper blades is susceptible to the summer heat. Examine the blades, and if they show signs of wear, invest in a new set.

Battery – Hot weather can shorten the life of a vehicle’s battery. Inspect the batteries and battery cables for corrosion, cracks and dirt. Many service centers can check the condition of the battery and charging system. If the battery is weak, replace it.

Lights – Check the headlights on low and high beam, as well as the brake lights, turn signals, side marker lights and emergency flashers. Before towing, check the connections to ensure the trailer lights are working properly.

Vehicle Exterior – Wash the vehicle regularly at a professional carwash facility to preserve the finish. After it has dried, apply a coat of wax to the exterior to protect the surface.

Emergencies – Keep an emergency kit in the trunk with some basic items in case the vehicle breaks down. Be sure to include a quart of oil, a gallon of drinking water, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, basic tools, gloves, a flashlight with some spare batteries and a first-aid kit.

Providing these simple tips to your customers will help them avoid getting burned by a costly breakdown and make their cars more reliable throughout the year. For you, sharing these tips will demonstrate your value as a car-care expert and will help ensure customers return for their next oil change on schedule.

Thomas E. Segletes is the Americas automotive marketing advisor for Installed ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties.