National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to offer your car additional attention. Basic car care is the key to some long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to maintain your car operating at its best for the long term:
Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, transmission and brake and also windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
Examine the belts and hoses to make sure they are not brittle, frayed and cracked loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
If necessary, look into the battery and replace. Ensure that the connection is clean, corrosion and tight-free.
Check the brake system annually and have the brake rotors, linings and drums inspected at each oil change.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage, leaks and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected at once.
Schedule a tune-approximately help the engine deliver the best balance of fuel and power economy and produce the lowest measure of emissions.
Look into the heating, air and ventilating conditioning (HVAC) system as proper cooling and heating performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons including defrosting.
Inspect the suspension and steering system annually including shock chassis, struts and absorbers parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires also need to be checked for bulges and bald spots.
Check the wipers and lighting so that you can be and see seen. Check that all exterior and interior lighting is functioning properly and replace worn wiper blades to help you see clearly when driving during precipitation.
In celebration of National Car Care Month, the non-profit Car Care Council has introduced a new custom service schedule. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service is a free resource to help motorists drive smart, save money and then make informed decisions.
