Seasonal Car Care Planning and Preventative Maintenance Can Save You Money and Time as the Weather ChangesPat Goss, longtime mec
06 Septembre 2005 - 6:00PM
Business Wire
"Timely maintenance does more than keep your vehicle running
smoothly," says Pat Goss, longtime mechanic and owner of Goss'
Garage in Seabrook, Md., as well as co-host of the PBS television
show "MotorWeek." "It will save you money in both the short- and
long-term because you are improving your vehicle's trade-in value,
getting the most out of its mileage, and preventing costly repairs
down the road." In addition to keeping cash in your pockets,
performing routine maintenance and using quality products can help
drivers stay safe through even the nastiest of conditions.
Maintenance plays a big role in staying safe -- according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one in eight
crashes can be attributed to mechanical defects due to neglected
vehicle maintenance. To avoid costly repairs and ensure your safety
in preparation for harsh conditions, prep in advance by following a
few simple guidelines: Early Fall -- Tune-ups -- Get a full engine
tune-up, as outlined in your owner's manual. -- Fix the brakes --
Don't postpone needed brake work. Avoiding brake repair can be
extremely dangerous, and if you procrastinate, you may end up
damaging your rotors and incurring considerably more repair cost.
-- Get an oil change -- "Motor oil is the lifeblood of every
vehicle," says Goss. "Replacing your current oil with a synthetic
product that is specifically designed for longer oil change
intervals, such as Mobil 1 Extended Performance, helps to extend
the life of your car. It is guaranteed to protect critical engine
parts for up to 15,000 miles. Bear in mind, if you plan to go
longer between oil changes, it is vital to follow the maintenance
schedule for service to your brakes, tires, battery and other
systems." Mid-to-Late Fall -- Check the battery -- If a battery is
older than four years, it may not work well in cold weather. When
in doubt, replace it. -- Check filters, coolants and hoses -- Make
sure all filters (oil, gas and air) are in good condition. Check
the coolant and thermostat to ensure proper engine warm-up, and
make sure your heater and defroster work. Coolant should be changed
every two years, though the extended-life coolants used in many
newer vehicles last about five years. Check for leaking or soft
hoses and replace as needed. -- Emergencies -- Put together an
emergency kit containing gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small
shovel, sand or kitty litter (handy for providing traction on
slippery surfaces), tire chains, a flashlight and a cell phone. You
may also want to put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.
Late Fall -- Tire pressure -- Check tires for excessive wear and
proper inflation. Be careful not to under-inflate or over-inflate
tires. Low pressure increases wear and fuel consumption, while too
much pressure can reduce traction, especially in icy conditions. As
the weather gets cooler, your air pressure decreases. -- Icy
windows and locks -- Make sure to have window ice scrapers and
de-icers available. Also make sure your windshield wipers and front
and rear defrosters are working properly. A de-icer for door locks
is also useful. -- Slow down -- Do not exceed speed limits and keep
safe driving distances. Unnecessary speedups, slowdowns and stops
can decrease fuel economy by up to two miles per gallon. Avoid
gas-wasting jackrabbit starts and pace your driving to help avoid
the need for sudden stops, which is especially critical during wet
and icy road conditions. -- Vehicle warm-up -- To ensure proper
engine oil flow and lubrication, allow your engine to idle for a
few seconds before driving in cold weather, and drive slowly for
the first few miles until the oil is fully warmed up. In addition
to being good for your engine, this practice reduces emissions and
saves fuel. "There's no reason to put off what you can accomplish
today -- and why wait until it's bitter out?" says Goss. "Your car
will be more reliable throughout the winter if properly cared for
in the fall months." For more information on vehicle maintenance,
check out these Web sites: www.goss-garage.com, www.mobiloil.com,
www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Mobil 1 is a trademark of Exxon Mobil
Corporation (NYSE:XOM)or one of its subsidiaries.
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