According to recent studies, 5% of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
The
cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24
months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be
checked. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.
Never
remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The
tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be
checked by a certified technician.
Change your oil and oil filter
as specified in your owner manual more often (usually every 3000 miles)
if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage
or tow a trailer.
Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as
recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability
problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.)
corrected at a certified shop.
A dirty windshield causes eye
fatigue and can pose a potential safety hazard. Replace worn blades and
get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
Have your tires rotated
about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures at least once per month.
Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
Check your vehicle owner manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
Always
keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires
make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your
engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
Lighten the load! Heavier
vehicles use more fuel, so clean our unnecessary weight in the
passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
Keep
your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds,
increase aerodynamic drag and the result can be up to a 10% decrease in
fuel economy.
Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped
for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief,
restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
Stay
within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you will
use. For example, driving at 75 mph rather than 65 mph, increases fuel
consumption by 20%.
Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for
cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the
engine performance.
Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
Change
the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This
will protect the precision-crafted components of the
transmission/transaxle.
Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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