According to Study, Car Owners' Biggest Fear is Being Stuck Roadside With a Smoking Engine, Yet Few Are Prepared

DANBURY, Conn., Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a summer when much of the U.S. has endured record-breaking high temperatures with no reprieve in sight, Prestone®, a leading producer of antifreeze/coolant, conducted a study representing more than 1,000 car owners that revealed while 50 percent of respondents said their biggest fear on the road was being stuck roadside with a smoking engine, only 16 percent said they planned to add engine coolant on a hot day to prevent their vehicle from overheating.*

"Simple car maintenance, such as topping off coolant and checking tire pressure, is vital for your vehicle to run at an optimal level, in particular when driving during extremely hot days," said Jim Brown, Prestone brand marketing. "As heat waves continue across the country, we are reminding car owners to take some basic steps to help keep their cars on the road."

Prestone certified technicians recommend five easy tips to keep your car running smoothly through the summer heat.

1. Check and top-off your fluids: transmission fluid, water, break fluid, and coolant
2. Monitor your tire-wear and pressure frequently (set to manufacturer's specifications)
3. Check your oil every 1,000 miles – and change it every 3,000 to 7,000 miles
4. Inspect your brakes at least once a year
5. Scheduled maintenance: follow your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule

Additionally, the American Automobile Association (AAA) warns that many Americans could find themselves stranded this summer if they neglect proper auto maintenance, reporting that 8.7 million vehicles will break down between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

*Proprietary study surveyed more than 1,000 American car owners about their car maintenance habits; margin of error of +/-5%

About FRAM Group

FRAM Group is headquartered in Danbury, Conn. Leading automotive care products include FRAM® oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Autolite® spark plugs and ignition wire sets are sold by FRAM Group Operations LLC., Prestone Products Corporation's Prestone® antifreeze/coolant and car care products; and Holts® car care are also part of the FRAM Group family of products. FRAM Group maintains R&D capabilities in the United States and Europe and has a manufacturing footprint in 10 countries worldwide.

SOURCE Prestone