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Thanksgiving Travel by Car Saves Money and Headaches

With gas prices dropping and airlines making drastic cuts to the number of flights they will offer over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Car Care Council suggests that driving may not only save you money, but will also save you from plenty of travel headaches.

Does Your Car Sound Haunted?

Halloween is the time of year for squeals, squeaks, screeches and things that go bump in the night, but when these eerie and haunted sounds come from your car, it’s time for maintenance. Noise is to the vehicle what pain is to the body: a warning. According to the Car Care Council, the following strange and scary noises are clues that trouble is brewing within your car and that it should be checked out by an automotive repair technician.

Car Care Council Announces Digital Car Care Guide

The Car Care Council has launched a digital version of its popular Car Care Guide that can be easily accessed through the council’s Web site at www.carcare.org.

Tips to Get You Ready For Winter Driving

Winter is the season to be “Car Care Aware.”

The Car Care Council recommends performing the following tasks to get your vehicle ready for severe winter conditions. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, visit a professional auto technician before the temperature dips.

Tips to Keep Your Car In Shape for Road Trips

With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time than now to think about vehicle maintenance.

“Proper car care is critical during the travel season,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “With gas prices exceeding an average $2 per gallon, performing a few basic, inexpensive maintenance checks will make road trips both safe and fuel efficient.”

In light of the higher gasoline prices, the Car Care Council suggests you pay attention to these items:

Check Antifreeze to Avoid Winter Blues Car Care Council Offers Winter Preventative Maintenance Tips

Checking your vehicle’s antifreeze level during the cold winter months is a simple and inexpensive way to make sure your car won’t leave you stranded. Antifreeze is important because it is used to cool the car's engine, as well as protect it from freezing in cold weather. It also acts as the key agent in providing heat inside the car’s cabin.

More Than 70 Percent of Motorists Fail to Winterize Their Vehicles

More than 70 percent of motorists admit that they did not have their cars winterized in preparation for inclement weather, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council. This can prove extremely dangerous if your car breaks down due to a lack of preventative maintenance. Why take the risk?

The good news is that it’s not too late to prepare your vehicle for harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends the following tasks be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or professional automotive technician”:

Now Is the Time to Check Your Wiper Blades

Replacing worn windshield wipers can be a smart idea, but surprisingly few people remember to check them.

Out of all the vehicles passing through the National Car Care Month vehicle check events, close to one-fifth (17 percent) had front windshield wiper failures and 12 percent needed service on their rear wipers and or washer.

More Motorists Keeping Vehicles Longer

According to a recent story in USA Today, more motorists are maintaining their current vehicles instead of purchasing new ones because of the uncertain economic environment. However, recent Car Care Council survey results show that 80 percent of the vehicles inspected during vehicle check-up events needed either service or parts.

Take Control of Your Vehicle’s Safety - Check Its Suspension

Like your car’s brake system, the steering and suspension systems are key to your car's safety. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. The Car Care Council recommends having your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems checked regularly, at least once a year and usually with a wheel alignment.

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