April is National Car Care Month
April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of our vehicles and the perfect time to remind ourselves that putting off vehicle maintenance can lead to more extensive repairs down the road.
According to R.L. Polk & Co., they report that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008. They say the trend, coupled with the current economic environment, has led motorists to seek affordable vehicle maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe working order. In addition, a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association revealed that vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.
The Car Care Council’s web sitefeatures a “Find a Shop” locator to help motorists find a repair shop in their area. Cars for Girls readers can also check out RepairPal.com for local repair shops, too.
These days, most vehicles are designed to withstand neglect of even the worst drivers, but by doing routine maintenance like checking the battery and battery cables, fluid levels and tires – auto owners can get a head start when it comes to repairs and parts replacement.
Because a vehicle can be a large financial investment, it is important to take care of that purchase wisely. As an Automotive Service Excellence-certified mechanic, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long has teamed up with Uniroyalto help motorists spend wisely when it comes to car repair and maintenance:
“Most cars today are designed to survive the neglect of the worst drivers. The majority of car parts should last at least five to six thousand miles without replacement. By inspecting early, drivers can plan ahead for replacement. Checking these items helps avoid surprises when you go to have routine maintenance done.”
Recommended Maintenance Schedule:
• Every 30 days: A tire that is 20 percent deflated (according to the recommended amount) wears much faster and increases the car’s gas consumption. Having a tire gauge on hand to check the tire pressure, as recommended in the driver’s manual or inside the doorjamb once a month may ensure safety and potentially save drivers’ money. Checking on the small things will help save big in the long run as well as helping keep cars running like new for much longer.
• 5,000 to 15,000 miles: Every 5,000 miles motorists should replace their oil and oil filter.
• Every 15,000 miles: Motorists should replace the air filter, rotate and balance their tires.
• Every 10,000 miles: If motorists are trying to save money, you can cut costs by inspecting your vehicle every 10,000 miles for “physical” changes that may help you save money down the road.
• 30,000 to 60,000 miles: Every 30,000 and 60,000 miles, motorists should replace their radiator coolant and transmission fluid.
• 60,000 miles: If needed, replace the timing belt and spark plugs. Remember, there is no need to change parts until they reach the end of their lifespan.
• 60,000 miles +: Gas today is very well processed; therefore drivers will not find as much dirt in it. With this in mind, there should be no problem changing the fuel filter before 60,000 miles.
Keep in mind that every car is different as well as their recommended maintenance schedules; drivers should use their best judgment when making decisions pertaining to their vehicles.
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This is all in miles. What about very old but low mileage cars? I have a car with very few miles on it, but which is 10 years old. (Recently bought it.) I’m trying to get information from the dealer about whether it has ever had the timing belt replaced, but as far as I know it hasn’t. The manual says that the lifespan of the belt is 7 years. With the minimal mileage, though, would it be as effected?