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2-3-03
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Pat Lazzaro
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Car Maintenance Made Easy
by Pat Lazzaro
(NAPSA)-Women are a driving force behind more than
80 percent of all car purchases. Yet over one-third of women experience
"auto" phobia-fearing anything that has to do with servicing
cars. However, there's no need to stall when it comes to servicing your
car. It's less challenging if you follow these basic maintenance tips:
Maintain Fluids
There are six main fluids to check and maintain in accordance with your
vehicle manufacturer's scheduled maintenance:
- Washer fluid. Use a commercial windshield washer solvent.
- Brake fluid. Most brake fluids absorb moisture, causing fluid deterioration
and contamination over time. It's generally recommended that it be flushed
during brake work.
- Engine oil. Engine oil is generally changed once every three months
or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Radiator/Engine Coolant/ Antifreeze. This should be changed according
to your owner's manual.
- Transmission fluid. Most vehicle manufacturers suggest changing this
fluid every 15,000-30,000 miles.
- Power steering fluid. Low fluid can mean the loss of power steering.
Most manufacturers don't have a scheduled maintenance for this fluid.
Check Your Tires
Spend a few minutes each month checking your tires:
- Inflate. Check your owner's manual or inside the driver-side doorjamb
for inflation guidelines specific to your car. Tires can lose one psi
(pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions. Use a tire
gauge for an accurate reading.
- Rotate. Feel the tread of your tires. If you feel high and low areas
or very smooth areas, you may have irregular tread wear. Proper tire
rotation, alignment and balancing will help your tires last longer and
provide a smoother, safer ride. For maximum mileage, rotate tires every
5,000 miles.
- Evaluate. Be on the lookout for damage to your tires. If your tire
looks worn or damaged, take it to a service center and have it checked
out immediately.
Use Your Senses
Trust yourself and what you see, smell and hear.
- Look. Watch for leaks under the car, or steam or smoke coming from
the engine. Pay attention to dashboard warning lights.
- Smell. Many fluids have their own unique odor. If you smell something
unusual, you may have a leak.
- Listen. Describe noises to your service technician as accurately
as possible. Observe as many things as you can: when it's happening,
how fast you're going, whether you're applying the brakes or gas, turning
left or right, is the car hot or cold, etc.
Stay Educated
Keep a copy of your vehicle manufacturer's scheduled maintenance program
handy. Firestone Tire & Service Centers offer these maintenance
schedules for free and host free Car Care Clinics at locations around
the country. Visit www.MasterCareUSA.com
to find a clinic in your area or to schedule a service appointment.
Ms. Lazzaro is an automotive education spokesperson for Firestone
Tire & Service Centers.
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