Accessories

Is your car in good hands when it needs repairs or maintenance? The Car Care Council recommends looking for the following characteristics in critiquing and selecting an auto repair shop to care for one of your most valuable assets:  

Losing a belt today can mean big trouble for the engine because serpentine belts are used on most engines to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. If a belt snaps, everything is lost and you may be stranded. Older cars use individual V-belts for these various accessories. A blown hose could result in an overheated engine and can cause additional engine damage.

“My customer asked me how much he’d have to spend for a pair of shocks,” said a repair shop owner. “I told him there are ‘good, better and best’ prices, but I install only the good and, preferably, the best. Labor is the same.”

His customer agreed that the minimal cost difference did not justify opting for less than the best. What price is peace of mind? It’s a factor that plays a big part when investing in auto repairs. Once a component is installed you’re likely never to see it unless it fails.

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.

Walking in a winter wonderland is a beautiful sight but safely driving through the glistening snow can rattle your nerves if you and your car aren’t prepared for winter. The Car Care Council suggests motorists have their vehicles winterized before harsh weather arrives and especially before embarking on road trips for the holidays. According to the council, the following steps will help get your vehicle ready for winter:

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.

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.