 It
can be intimidating enough driving on the roads and
freeways without having to worry about breaking down
in the middle of traffic or in an unsafe environment!
Even though you think you have the most reliable car
on the road, it doesn’t take much neglect to
go from safe to sorry!
Regular car maintenance is essential – not only
to your car, but to your loved ones as well. More
than five percent of vehicle accidents result from
unperformed vehicle maintenance; resulting in 2,600
deaths, 100,000 disabling injuries and a cost of more
than $2 billion every year according to the Car Care
Council.
A recent survey by the Car Care Council
found:
- 38% of cars had low or dirty engine oil
- 28% had inadequate cooling protection
- 54% had low tire pressure
- 19% needed new belts
- 16% had dirty air filters
- and don't forget proper windshield replacement saves lives.
Leased cars are probably the easiest to maintain
as they actually include indicator lights on the dashboard
that tells you when its time for maintenance. Any
new car purchased from a dealership includes the warranty
and maintenance schedule; however, the dealership,
and your local mechanic, will also send out reminders.
For those used cars that might not come with a maintenance
schedule, there are websites such as www.Edmunds.com which provide the appropriate information for just
about every make and model vehicle.
Critical components that are checked at every service
interval include automatic transmission fluid, battery
and cables, belts, engine air and oil filter, exhaust,
fuel filter, hoses, power steering fluid and tire
inflation and condition. These should be checked according
to the following schedule:
 Every three months or 3,000 miles- Every six months or 6,000 miles
- Every 9 months or 9,000 miles
- Every 12 months or 12,000 miles
In addition to the above, your car should be checked
monthly for lights, tire inflation, check engine light
on and windshield washer fluid.
October is designated as Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council! This means that volunteer
car technicians all across the country will help consumers
prepare for the upcoming winter season and educate
about proper car care safety. Subaru has announced
their support of Fall Car Care Month.
Owners of Subaru’s can bring their cars into
local dealerships for free inspections with particular
focus on areas that minimize fuel consumption.
SunTec Auto Glass in Tempe, Ahwatukee, Guadalupe and most of Maricopa and Pinal counties, specializes in Phoenix
windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window
tinting and glass etching. Contact us to handle those
chips and breaks in your line of vision… Complete
your car care the right way. |
