Spa Treatment

Is your car feeling a little sluggish or below par? Just as you may need the occasional day at the spa to re-charge your battery, give your vehicle the chance to recharge by pampering it every three months or 3,000 miles.


For the Long Stretch


Massage: A massage with long strokes and constant pressure is just what the doctor ordered to release muscle tension and improve circulation. Your car prefers to be driven the same way - on long stretches of highway and at constant speeds.


However, rarely are cars driven that way. Making frequent short trips in stop-and-go traffic, puts you in the "severe" driver category. If you've ever felt stiffer from the forceful pounding of a bad massage, you know just how your car feels under these conditions. If you regularly drive in severe conditions, you should have routine maintenance performed every three months or 3,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly.


Good masseurs know to warm up the oil in their hands before rubbing it into your skin. When it's cold outside, your car appreciates warm oil just as much as you do. Let the car run for a few minutes so the oil can fully circulate and lubricate the engine.


Breathing Exercises: When you're stressed out, your breathing becomes short and shallow, limiting the amount of oxygen you can take into your lungs. Slow, deep breaths help your body release tension and cleanse toxins from the inside out.


A clean air filter in your car improves the flow of air, which mixes with fuel in your engine to create the small explosions that make your car go. A dirty air filter prevents enough air from being drawn into the engine and can throw off the fuel/air mix, resulting in poor fuel economy.


Replace your air filter whenever it becomes dirty. Take it out of the car and hold it up to a light. If most of the light is obscured by debris or if the paper is heavily discolored or soiled, it's time for a change.


Skin Care: A daily skin care regimen is essential to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Regularly washing and waxing your car will keep it looking beautiful throughout its life, too.


Keeping your vehicle clean is not just about the sleek look but over time, a car's paint erodes due to the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, air pollution, acid rain, and salt. The longer foreign materials sit on your car's surface, the more difficult it is to remove and the more likely it will cause damage. Be sure to touch up any chipped paint and fill in any nicks to prevent rust from forming and spreading.


Just as it's important to unclog your pores, a thorough vacuuming will keep your seats and floor mats dirt-free. To further protect your interior, an application of a fabric guard will repel water and stains and make further clean-ups much easier.


Foot Care: Your feet withstand one to three times your actual body weight and often there's very little cushioning them from the hard ground beneath. No wonder foot rubs are some of the more popular spa indulgences!


Your tires also withstand an awful lot of stress and need to be regularly maintained. Properly inflating your tires is one of the easiest ways to make sure they'll always be there to support you.


Have your tire pressure checked regularly with a pressure gauge, usually about once a month. (Make sure to check the tires when they’re cold to get an accurate reading.) Be careful not to exceed a tire's recommended air pressure, which is usually listed on the sidewall.


Check the treads to make sure your tires are not wearing thin. Place a penny in between two of the treads. If you can see all of Abe Lincoln's head, your tires need to be replaced. Most vehicle manufacturers also recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, or whenever the treads start to wear unevenly.


Everybody needs a little rejuvenating every once and awhile. Following these simple tips and keeping your car on a routine maintenance schedule will go a long way to ensuring it lives a long, healthy life.