Spring/Summer

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.

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:

Students are busy preparing for college and the last thing on their list – if it makes the list at all – is checking out the condition of the car they will take to school. The expectation may be that parents handle the routine auto maintenance, but regardless of who does it, the Car Care Council recommends a thorough checkup on the car before it leaves to ensure safety and reliability.

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:

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.

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.

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.

A new Car Care Guide for motorists turns technical automotive jargon into easy-to-understand everyday language, taking the mystery out of vehicle maintenance and repair. The free guide, published by the Car Care Council, can be ordered on the council’s Web site at www.carcare.org.

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.

Today’s modern vehicle is a very complex machine and nearly every system on it is controlled and monitored by computers. In fact, advances in vehicle technology are demanding new tools, an increased amount of technical information and software in order for professional technicians to service, diagnose and repair these vehicles.  

With the increased use of computers and electronics, car companies are garnering a greater ability to control access to the information and tools necessary for the independent service industry to stay competitive with the franchised new car dealers.