Vehicle Owners

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.

Small changes can add personality to your vehicle without breaking the bank. And it’s easier than you may think. The internet puts thousands of decorative and protective automotive parts at your fingertips. A quick internet search reveals a myriad of options for any vehicle. Maybe you’d like the look of a grill insert or stainless steel rocker panels or the protection provided by body side moldings or a bug shield. For the high-performance look, you can choose an air dam, side vent or hood scoop.

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.

Remember when cars used to have at least several rubber belts under the hood? Called “fan” belts or drive belts, they’ve been replaced on most late model vehicles with a single, “serpentine” drive belt. Another belt under the hood of most cars is hidden under a cover at the front of the engine. It’s the timing belt, often overlooked during routine maintenance.

Fight skyrocketing gas prices by taking control of your vehicle's unnecessary fuel consumption, advises the Car Care Council. Consumers can add miles to every gallon they pump by following a few easy and inexpensive maintenance steps with their car, SUV, minivan or pickup truck.

The Car Care Council suggests five ways you and your vehicle can help protect the environment on Earth Day and everyday:

TRICO’s popular NeoForm® blades are now available for 1.8 million vehicles with push button arm types, including a wide range of Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Mercury, Pontiac, Saturn, VW, and Volvo vehicle makes and models. Available in lengths from 16" to 28", this new line of blades is available from TRICO so customers do not have to special order or return to an auto dealership to get them.

Technician certification organization ASE surveys show a well-maintained vehicle not only lasts longer, it retains more of its resale value.

With a sluggish economic recovery and today’s consumers watching their finances carefully, it’s no surprise that the average age of vehicles in the United States is more than 11 years old, according to automotive research firm R.L. Polk and Co. With motorists holding on to their vehicles longer than ever before, maintenance takes an even greater importance in keeping roads — and people — safe.