Many Americans are less inclined to spend on expensive purchases due to the current economic climate. The nation’s long-held love affair for the automobile is not extinguished by the trend of penny-pinching.
According to the latest trends, Americans are looking to increase their vehicle’s mileage. The average car owner owned their vehicle for 68 consecutive months before selling it in to get a new car. In the fourth quarter 2008, the average trade in was 76 month old.
The Automotive Service Association (TASA) offers the following preventive services:www.ASAshop.orgThe ) which is a network of thousands of repair shops across the country, will significantly extend the vehicle’s lifespan and ensure that it runs safely.
You should always consult your owner’s manual. However, a good rule is to change the oil and filter every 3,000-4,000 miles.
– Check all fluids, including brake, transmission, and transaxle. These fluids play an important role in vehicle safety and performance.
– Keep your engine tuned. Fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much as 30% by a fouled spark plug and restricted fuel injector.
– Keep the chassis lubricated regularly. This will prolong the life of your vehicle’s suspension components.
– Clean and inspect the connections and cables of your battery chargers for signs of corrosion.
– Make sure to inspect the lighting system regularly, including the headlights, brake, and tail lights.
– Examine windshield wiper blades to make sure they are free from cracks, tears, and contact with the windshield. They should be replaced approximately once per year, or sooner if streaking develops.
– Inspect engine belts regularly. Engine performance will be affected if the belts are worn. You should look out for cracks and missing segments or sections.
– Make sure to have your air filtration system checked regularly. Check the air filter for damage or clogging every other oil change. This will ensure that your vehicle is in peak condition.
As manufacturer maintenance requirements can vary, it is important to always consult the vehicle owner’s manual.
Automotive Service Association members agree they will follow the ASA Code of Ethics. This is the standard for professional business practices in the automotive industry with consumers in mind. For more information, please visit ASA. www.ASAshop.org.
