Car Care Tips

Automotive technicians are often compared to doctors. This comparison undoubtedly makes some techs smile and others grimace. But in the end, the two professions have a lot in common. It may surprise consumers to find that by choosing these professionals wisely, they can get better care at a better price.

When it comes to choosing a repair shop, many experts extol the virtues of the clean facility, a wall adorned with ASE certificates or a coffee pot and some tasty snacks. While these items are important, these four vital questions tell most of the story:

Today’s vehicles are known for their longevity.  Many well-maintained engines go past the 200,000-mile mark on the original engine.

“Well-maintained is the operative word here,” says Adam Selisker, VP of Technology at CRC Industries.  “Regular oil and filter changes, replacement of critical parts and fuel system treatments should be part of the long-term maintenance regimen.  It’s part of a balanced diet for your car.”

With gas prices exceeding four dollars a gallon in many parts of the country, the Car Care Council is offering gas-saving maintenance and driving tips that really work.

"Millions of dollars worth of gasoline is wasted every day by motorists, because simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance is neglected," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Loose or missing gas caps, under-inflated tires, worn spark plugs and dirty air filters all contribute to poor fuel economy."

The Car Care Council offers these fuel-saving tips:

Did you know that when temperatures plunge your car needs extra attention to be able to give you the same level of service and performance you’ve come to expect? One of the best ‘cold remedies’ for your car during the winter months is an oil and filter change.

“Winter temperatures in most parts of the country place especially high demands on your engine's oil and oil filter,” said Kevin O'Dowd, Director Marketing & Communications at MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters NA LLC.

One way to ensure you will get to dinner in time for turkey on Thanksgiving weekend is by making sure that the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home.

April is National Car Care Month. Vehicle inspection lanes, conducted throughout the United States by sponsoring organizations and businesses, are part of the automotive aftermarket industry’s ongoing public awareness campaign.

Volunteers across the country conduct these events each year, with a portion of them returning their vehicle inspection forms to the Car Care Council for analysis. The most recent campaign included results from a total of 860 vehicle inspections, nationwide.

When your car’s air conditioning fails, it can be more than a nuisance, it can become a health and safety matter. Most of us first notice an air conditioning problem when the car gets hot and muggy. But those with allergies can be quickly exposed to irritants when the windows are rolled down.

A cool passenger cabin has also been cited as a factor in keeping the driver alert.

Beyond just cooling the car, the vehicle’s air conditioning system is necessary for defogging the inside of the windows. Without it, the occupants can be at risk in bad weather.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Many drivers procrastinate when it comes to changing their wiper blades for them, it’s just not a priority. But the American Optometric Association reports that 90 percent of driving decisions are based on visibility. With that statistic in mind, Trico wants to emphasize to drivers how critical it is to change wiper blades regularly.

Vehicle braking systems have finally received the attention that they have needed for many years. Modern technology has delivered a solution for vehicles that will keep their wheels shining and brake noise to a whisper, while still allowing drivers to experience the performance they expect. Motorists can now start their weekends with a quiet ride around town instead of a morning of scrubbing brake dust off their wheels.