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The Road to a Long-Lasting
Automobile
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Auto technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running
well-today and down the road-is routine maintenance. Yet many
drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday
auto-basics. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found: |
- 38 percent of cars had low or dirty
engine oil.
- 54 percent had low tire pressure.
- 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection.
- 19 percent needed new belts.
- 16 percent had dirty air filters.
- 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.
For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule
to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of
the checks and services described here can be done at little or no
cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do.
Know Your Brake
System (.pdf/583 KB) - download this detailed illustration
of the components in drum and rotor brake assemblies.
To help drivers keep their cars up to par, the council promotes
programs such as National Car Care
Month in April, to call attention to the benefits of regular
vehicle care. During the month of April, vehicle inspection events
are held in many communities.
The inspections include volunteers checking fluid levels, tires,
lights and other system components. After the inspections are
complete, volunteers and motorists review any problems that may have
been found and motorists receive information about proper vehicle
maintenance and repair.
The inspections are usually held in parking lots at shopping
malls, schools and businesses and they're generally sponsored by
area repair facilities and auto-shops, as well as other businesses,
civic groups and radio stations.
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