Did you know that approximately 95% of U.S. households own at least one vehicle? How about the fact that roughly 85% of Americans drive to work in their own vehicle? While owning a vehicle was once a luxury reserved only for the wealthy, a decrease in manufacturing costs and an increase in highway infrastructure were two major factors that led to increased car ownership in the decades following World War II.
For some, owning a vehicle provides rich opportunities to learn about and tinker with complex systems. For others, just thinking about opening the hood or performing any kind of mechanical work is enough to induce stress and anxiety.
No matter which camp you’re in, it’s important to take the time to maintain and care for your vehicle. Whether you have a go-to mechanic in your area or you have everything you need in your garage, regular maintenance is a key component in your vehicle’s long-term performance. In today’s entry, we’re going to provide you with four maintenance tips you should always keep in mind.
We’ll discuss in more detail below, but auto glass repair is a task best left to the professionals. At Pro-Wide Glass in Seattle, we’ve helped countless individuals just like you repair cracks, chips, and other forms of windshield and window damage. Get in touch with our team for a windshield replacement quote, and read on to learn more about maintaining your vehicle!
Maintaining Your Vehicle
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Have you ever had a rock from a truck crack or chip your windshield? It’s a jarring and unsettling experience — especially when you’re traveling down the freeway at a high speed. What about hail? While we don’t have severe hail storms too often in Seattle, a single large pellet is all it takes to damage a windshield. 
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to invest in auto glass repair from a reputable glass company as soon as your vehicle has been damaged. Although Washington does not have laws specifically relating to cracks, chips, and other forms of windshield damage, the following rules apply:
- Motorists may not operate a vehicle that has been damaged to the point that it is unsafe and could cause harm to others.
- Vehicles without equipment in working condition are not permitted on roadways.
So, this means that while you won’t automatically receive a ticket for having a crack in your windshield, you certainly could if an officer believes that the crack obscures your vision.
At Pro-Wide Glass, we want to keep you and everyone else on the road safe. If your windshield has been damaged in any way, then schedule a windshield replacement consultation and we’ll gladly provide you with a quote. We’ll also work with any insurance company and take care of any necessary paperwork along the way!
Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
Have you ever ignored your check engine light for a day? How about two or three? Okay — we won’t press you on the details, but most of us have ignored the check engine light for more than a few days. Sometimes it turns off on its own, and other times it’s easier to push the repair bill further into the future. We’ve been there, and we completely understand. However, given that there are more than 3,000 different fault codes that can trigger a check engine light, we recommend taking your car to a professional as soon as possible. For those who are more mechanically inclined, you’ll need to invest in an OBD reader to diagnose and fix the problem.
Monitor Tire Pressure 
Tire pressure has a direct impact on your fuel economy and how well your car handles. Manual tire pressure monitors are extremely affordable and easy to use, and it’s recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once every other week. If you have a newer vehicle, then it may automatically monitor tire pressure for you. In either case, your owner’s manual will provide you with the ideal pressure level for your vehicle. If a certain tire isn’t retaining air from week to week, then bring it to a professional to check for nails and other forms of damage.
Rotate Your Tires
While we’re on the topic of tires, let’s not forget the importance of regularly rotating your tires. Tires wear out unevenly, and when not rotated for extended periods of time, you’ll find yourself paying for replacements much sooner than you would if you rotated them yourself or had a professional do it for you. As a general rule of thumb, your tires should be rotated every 6,000 or 8,000 miles. Again, consulting your owner’s manual is a great place to start if you would like a more specific recommendation for your vehicle.
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We hope that today’s entry will help you keep your vehicle in optimal condition throughout the year. We plan to provide you with even more maintenance tips in the coming weeks and months, so bookmark our blog page and check back frequently for updates!
In the meantime, visit Pro-Wide Glass in Seattle if you need auto glass repair, residential window replacements, or commercial glass repair. We provide fast and affordable service for jobs of any size — but you don’t have to take our word for it. Look through our testimonials to see what previous clients have said about our work!
Fill out the form below or give our office a call to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to speaking with you!