- Share This Post
- submit
- 0
-
Sparkle (0)
Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well - both today and long down the road - is following routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday auto-basics.
A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:
- 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
- 54 percent had low tire pressure.
- 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection.
- 19 percent needed new belts.
- 16 percent had dirty air filters.
- 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.
The owner's manual of every vehicle has a section that outlines the manufacturer's suggested schedule for routine maintenance. The books usually outline different requirements based on whether you drive under "normal conditions" or "severe conditions." If you make frequent trips under less than five miles (or less than 10 in freezing weather); drive in extremely hot (over 90-degrees F) conditions; drive on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads; experience extensive stop-and-go driving or idling (waiting for kids in carline); or tow a trailer or in the mountains then you should follow the severe use schedule in your booklet.However, sometimes we misplace our owner's manuals, or buy a used car that doesn't have one. For your convenience, the Car Care Council has developed a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of the checks and services described here can be done yourself at little or no cost, and are quick and easy to do!
Print out this service interval schedule to follow the Car Care Council's suggested routine maintenance guidelines and follow them to help keep your vehicle in top condition inside and out. Jody DeVere
President and CEO
http://www.askpatty.com
http://www.carblabber.com
Connect with AskPatty on:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/askpatty
MySpace: www.myspace.com/askpatty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AskPatty-Automotive-Advice-for-Women/15290...
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/askpatty2007
Twitter: http://twitter.com/askpatty
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/askpatty/
Subscribe to our RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/AskPattyBlog