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Maintenance
Maintain Your Beauty!
(Part 2 of 2)
For the life of your car - perform tune-ups and other regular maintenance at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. You'll find the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. For vehicles under warranty, skipping any scheduled maintenance can void the warranty. For older cars, continuing to perform such service as tune-ups, check of emission systems, brake inspection, replacement of timing chains and various sensors at recommended mileage intervals can keep the vehicle running like new for literally thousands of miles.
Change coolant and flush cooling system at recommended intervals—usually at least every other year. We pulled this regular maintenance out of the pack because excess heat is a major enemy of engines. Your vehicle's coolant not only helps the engine run at appropriate temperatures, it is also an antifreeze that protects the engine from extreme cold. Finally, coolant contains inhibitors that protect the radiator and other elements of the cooling system against corrosion. Over time coolant's protective properties break down. Fall is a good time to check the protective levels of your coolant and to change it as necessary.
Drive smart. Leave aggressive driving for the video game screen. On the road, avoid jack-rabbit starts, gunning the engine, racing up to a stop then jamming on the brakes. Such abrupt maneuvers stress the engine, burn extra oil and gas, increase wear on tires and brakes, and generally waste money.
Keep it clean—outside and in. A regular wash and an occasional wax job keep your vehicle looking sharp and help protect it from environmental pollutants and sun (UV) damage. Touch up little scratches before they become larger rust spots. Matching paint is available from dealerships or from any automotive supply store. Set up a cleaning routine for the inside—vacuum regularly, clean the dash and treat it with a protective product, clean and protect leather seats, clean spills on upholstery and carpet promptly (before they attract more dirt).
Stay alert for your vehicle's state of well-being. If something smells funny or sounds funny have it checked out promptly—don't wait, for instance, for a little squeal or click to become a major brake job. With a friend or family member occasionally take time to check all lights and signals. Stay alert for any puddles of liquid (other than air-conditioner condensation) under or around the car. Most of all, remember that nobody knows a car like its regular driver, so if something doesn't seem right, describe the problem as clearly as you can and have it checked out.
Go to the AAA Website for more tips.
Read more info on car care and maintenance:
Be Car Care Aware offers definitions and information on all components of a vehicle and aspects of their maintenance. Also check out tips for cold weather and hot weather care.
Make sense? Read more about issues like this in our other articles and be sure to give us your feedback.
Cheers, Remar Sutton and Will from Holland
Continued
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