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Car Covers Protect Against the Elements While Protecting Your Investment

The use of a car cover can help protect your car from a myriad of harmful factors such as sunlight, acid rain, fallen braches, etc. However, if you do not use the cover properly, you may risk the chance of damaging your vehicle rather than protecting it.

Most car covers are used to shield your car from the outdoor elements but some people use them indoors as well to protect against dust. There are three basic types of car covers: water proof, water resistant and non-water resistant. Each of these covers has advantages and disadvantages.

It’s Probably Time to Replace Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filter

If you get headaches, allergic reactions or breathing problems riding in your car, it’s probably time to change the cabin air filter. Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens, and should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual, according to the Car Care Council.

More than 80 percent of new domestic and import vehicles sold in the U.S. today come equipped with cabin air filtration systems or a slot where one can be installed.

Five Steps to a “Greener” Car

It doesn’t matter if the car you’re driving is new or old, big or small. There are preventive maintenance steps every vehicle owner can take to make sure their car is as “green” or environmentally friendly as possible, according to the Car Care Council.

By following five simple preventive maintenance steps, you can help protect the environment by improving gas mileage, which in turn saves money at the pump.

Four Symptoms of a Sick Cooling System

It doesn’t cough or wheeze but there are telltale signs that your vehicle’s cooling system is under the weather. The most noticeable symptoms are overheating, leaks, a sweet smell of antifreeze and repeatedly needing to add coolant, according to the Car Care Council.

“Cooling system neglect is cited as a principal reason for mechanical failure of a vehicle,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In addition to the danger and inconvenience of a breakdown, the damage to the engine and transmission can add up to big bucks.”

Wash Me, Please

It’s definitely time for spring cleaning if someone writes “wash me” on your vehicle. Even if your car hasn’t reached that point, a good cleaning of the inside and outside prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and helps ensure proper visibility needed for safe driving, according to the Car Care Council.

Basic Car Care Greatly Improves Safety and Reliability

Something as basic as checking the oil can go a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

Why You May Lose The Right To Repair

When deciding where to have their car repaired or serviced, most people choose a repair shop they trust and one that’s convenient to their home or work, so they can fit such visits into their already busy schedules.

Most people assume they will always be able to choose where their cars are repaired, but that may not always be the case.

Cars are run by computers and car manufacturers don’t always want to release the computer codes that are required for anyone to determine what is wrong with a car, and the necessary information for the shop to properly complete the repair.

Checking Brakes Frequently Saves Money and Lives

When it comes to vehicle safety, the brakes top the list of systems that need to be routinely inspected and repaired immediately should motorists suspect any problems. According to the Car Care Council, a properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions. However, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.

It’s a Perfect Time to Invest in Your Vehicle

When gas prices drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little on preventative maintenance, drivers can save a lot in the long run, according to the Car Care Council.

Like a Millionaire: Drive Smart and Save Money

Car commercials would have us believe that the mark of success is in the vehicle that we drive. Reality is quite different, according to The Millionaire Next Door. The New York Times Best Seller maintains that “you aren’t what you drive,” citing that most millionaires don’t live extravagant lifestyles, but spend wisely and live within their means regardless of their income.

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