Make the most out of your car by keeping it maintained and
cared for. Here are a few tips to use for your vehicle.
Drive with care everyday:
-Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a
quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
-Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear
to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of
operation.
-Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is
not a smart idea.Theengine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting
in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil
contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
Stuck in mud or snow:
-When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by
damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car
is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it.
Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires
at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions,
clutches, and other components.
Auto log:
-Keep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and use them
to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage
worsens, mention it to your service man. It may be an early warning sign that
something is wrong with your car.
Sun Protection:
-Paint does more than make your vehicle look great. It’s
also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. Of course, the best
way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not
possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The sun’s ultraviolet rays
break down paint and cause it to fade.
Keep your tires properly inflated:
– If you want to get every last mile out of your tires, get
yourself a tire pressure gauge and use it at least once a month (more in hot
weather) to keep your tires inflated to the recommendation in the vehicle’s
owner’s manual. Check tires when they are cold (driven for less than one mile)
for an accurate reading.
Change your oil regularly:
-frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles
out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owner’s manuals recommend a more
frequent interval for “severe conditions.” To maximize the life of your engine,
follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly in
stop-and-go traffic.
These are just a few tips on how to keep your car running
like a champ.