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Preventive Maintenance Is Key To Saving Down The Road
by Matthew Marquez
Simple maintenance could save drivers money. (NAPSA)-Your vehicle is one of the biggest investments you'll make, so
protecting it by keeping up with its maintenance needs is important. While
everyone is looking for ways to cut costs, denying your vehicle regular
maintenance could end up costing you more money down the road from unexpected
repairs.
Regular oil changes can help ensure that your vehicle runs properly and stays on
the road longer. However, it's important to understand and consider the
conditions in which you operate your vehicle. According to a Harris Interactive
poll, 92 percent of drivers operate under "severe" conditions.
Cars operated under severe conditions, including inclement weather, need
maintenance more frequently-sometimes twice as often. It's important to check
your owner's manual for service recommendations based on the conditions you
drive under.
Affordable Maintenance
Some drivers may be inclined to perform vehicle maintenance themselves to save
money and time; however, quick lubes can offer a solution for your vehicle's
needs when you may not have the time or expertise to do it yourself. Quick lubes
offer the speed and conve_nience that dealerships often lack and can provide
value beyond a simple oil change. Jiffy Lube, for example, offers its Jiffy Lube
_Signature Service¨ Oil Change that includes more than a dozen ser_v_ices such as
a tire pressure check and fluid top-offs, among others. Most drivers also don't
realize that they don't need to visit their dealership to maintain their
warranty.
Quick Tips
Keeping your vehicle on a sound preventive maintenance program is a good way to
prevent potentially costly repairs-keeping money in your pocket. Here are some
key things to have checked regularly:
- Engine air filter-The air filter is like the vehicle's lungs, and a clean
filter will maximize the engine's performance. Refer to your owner's manual to
see when it should be swapped out.
- Engine oil and filter-Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, helping
it run smoothly. Check the oil level regularly and check your owner's manual to
learn when to change the oil and which grade to use. Using the proper grade can
increase fuel economy, while regular oil changes can increase your vehicle's
longevity.
- Tire pressure-Tires, like your shoes, are where the rubber meets the road.
Under- or overinflation can weaken your tires, reduce traction and impact gas
mileage, among other things. You can find the proper tire pressure in the
vehicle owner's manual or on a decal in the doorjamb or glove compartment.
- Tire rotation-Rotating tires as recommended by the manufacturer will help
tires wear more evenly, helping extend their life.
For more information, visit www.jiffylube.com.
Mr. Marquez is Vice President of Operations at Bay State Ventures, a Jiffy
Lube franchise.
Seven Tips To Make Sure Your Car Is Ready For Harsh Weather
Synthetic oils are designed to protect your engine at all operating temperatures.(NAPSA)-Winterizing your car can help prevent the problems caused by freezing
temperatures and difficult driving conditions.
"For most of the country, winter is the harshest time of year for vehicles,"
says Jim MacPherson, car care expert and automotive radio host for WTIC in
Connecticut. "Simple preparation can go a long way toward making your car safer
during the winter months. Following a winterization checklist before the cold
settles in will save you headaches and money."
Here's a quick list to be sure to check twice if you want to give your vehicle
the best chances of a smooth, safe ride through winter.
- Check the battery. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, batteries lose a significant
amount of power, and continue to get weaker as the temperature drops. Keep the
surfaces of the battery clean and make sure all the connections are tight. If
your car is a few years old, you may want to have a technician check the
charging system to ensure it is ready for the cold.
- Check the oil. Synthetic oils are specifically designed to protect your
engine in all operating temperatures. For faster engine start-ups during cold
weather, use a synthetic such as Mobil 1 5W-30, which flows significantly faster
than conventional 5W-30 oils at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Mobil 1 has the ability
to provide protection and perfor_mance in demanding conditions even at
temperatures as low as negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check the antifreeze. The level and freshness of your vehicle's antifreeze
are crucial during the winter, protecting the engine from freezing as well as
from rust and corrosion damage. Make sure the engine and coolant system are cool
before you begin checking; opening a hot radiator is dangerous. If the
antifreeze is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water.
- Check the tires. As the weather cools, air in your tires will contract.
Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Too little pressure can increase
wear and fuel consumption; too much pressure can reduce traction, especially in
icy conditions. To maintain proper tire pressure, fill them up to their
recommended PSI rating, which can be found on the driver's side doorjamb,
inside the door that covers the gas cap, on the inside of the glove box door or
in the owner's manual. Also, make sure you have plenty of tread left and
replace any tires that look worn.
- Check rubber belts and hoses. In low temperatures, rubber tends to stiffen
and is prone to breaking and cracking. Check the tension on the vehicle's belts
and make sure they aren't dry-rotted or too tight. Next, feel all the hoses
once the engine has completely cooled and make sure they aren't soft and
spongy, too rigid or leaking.
- Check the wiper blades and heater settings. Most windshield wiper blades
are only good for a year. Check and clean the wiper blades. If the wipers are
worn and smudge the windshield, they need to be replaced; frost or freezing rain
mixed with worn wipers hinders your visibility and is extremely dangerous. Also,
be sure to test out the heater and defroster. Make sure all settings are working
properly before the harsh winter weather strikes.
- Stock the car with "winter" items. Be smart and prepare ahead of time for
unexpected problems. Be sure the following items are stocked in your trunk,
especially if you live in an area that frequently weathers winter storms: ice
scraper to clear the windows, headlights and taillights; battery jumper cables;
first-aid kit; small shovel; blankets; gloves; and a bag of salt or sand to add
weight and improve traction.
"In addition to following these winter survival tips, you should always drive
gently while your vehicle is warming up, and be sure to drive more slowly when
there's snow or ice on the ground," says MacPherson. "Being cautious and doing
simple maintenance will keep yourself and your vehicle stress-free."
Auto Repair Advice: Learn To Speak "Auto Tech"
You can maximize the value of your auto repair dollars by knowing what to say and do at the repair shop.(NAPSA)-You may be better able to stay on the road to safety and savings the
next time you need to have your car repaired if you select a quality facility
and learn to speak a little "auto tech."
When communicating with an automotive technician, AAA recommends motorists do
the following:
- Before taking the vehicle to a repair facility, write down the symptoms and
any performance issues so important information is not overlooked or forgotten.
- Describe the symptoms to the technician. Explain what has been seen, smelled,
heard and felt while driving the vehicle. For example, does it vibrate or pull
to the left? Explain under what type of driving conditions the problem takes
place and how long ago it started.
- When describing symptoms, refer to the driver side and passenger side of the
vehicle rather than the right or left side.
- If the vehicle has been serviced recently, bring copies of the previous
repair orders rather than trying to explain what work was done.
- Ask questions if the technician uses jargon you don't understand or if
something is not thoroughly explained. Quality technicians will take the time
to clearly explain the problem before offering a repair solution.
- Always read the repair order before signing it and authorizing any work. Look
for specific instructions detailing the maintenance to be done, the problem to
be corrected and the work to be performed. If the language is vague or unclear,
ask that it be rewritten.
To help motorists get good repairs, AAA, the country's largest motoring and
leisure travel organization, has more than 8,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair
facilities across North America.
These shops must meet and maintain stringent quality standards for customer
service, training, equipment and cleanliness. To find an approved repair
facility near you, visit AAA.com/repair.
For a wealth of helpful information about cars, driving, auto repair, safety
tips and much more, visit AAA.com.
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