Car Care: A New Year's Resolution That Pays Off

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the New Year, why not resolve to perform regular vehicle maintenance? By spending a little time now on preventive maintenance, drivers can save a lot of headaches in the long run and make for a great year on the road in 2011, according to the Car Care Council.

"Many New Year's resolutions go by the wayside pretty quickly," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Regular car care is a resolution that will pay off all year, every year. It's relatively simple to implement and the results are demonstrated in a better performing vehicle and fewer unexpected repairs and breakdowns that can result from vehicle neglect."

The council recommends the following service interval schedule to use when making regular vehicle maintenance part of your New Year's resolution:

• Perform monthly checks of tire pressure and the condition of tires, lights and windshield washer fluid. The vehicle should also be cleaned monthly.
• Every three months or per the owner's manual, check the engine oil and filter, check the levels of other fluids including automatic transmission, power steering and brake, and check battery and cables, belts and hoses. The exhaust and fuel filter should also be checked at this interval.  
• Every six months or 6,000 miles, the chassis lubrication should be checked and windshield wipers should be replaced.
• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, coolant and steering and suspension should be checked.

If the "check engine" light comes on, vehicles should be immediately taken in for service to identify the problem.

The Car Care Council Web site has a Service Interval Schedule for vehicle owners to follow. Drivers should also consult their owner's manual for specific recommendations by the carmaker.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

SOURCE Car Care Council