Has My Vehicle Been Recalled?

Written By: Matthew Wright

With all of the news that has been hitting the airwaves and internet regarding recalls the past few years, it's no wonder that you're concerned about whether your car has any pending recalls on it. So, how do you go about finding out whether your car or truck has been recalled? Some recalls are serious. A car that's been recalled because the brake system can catch fire needs to be addressed right away. In these cases, there is usually a serious level of effort put forth by the auto manufacturer to contact all owners of the affected vehicles to let them know that there is a major safety recall in effect. This lets all current owners of vehicles with the problem safety issue know that they should take action right away. But what if your car is involved in a less serious recall? 

Cars and trucks that are involved in a less serious recall still need to be repaired, but the effort that auto makers put into letting the current owners know will be less than a major safety issue.

For example, let's say that your car has a problem that involves a sticky trunk latch. If the problem is widespread enough, the manufacturer may decide that a recall is necessary. The recalled vehicles will have their trunk latches repaired free of charge by any dealer service department. The manufacturer will likely not make a huge effort to contact current owners of the affected vehicles. They will instead release a service bulletin to the dealer service departments letting them know that they will be reimbursed for repairing any defective trunk latches in affected vehicles. Sometimes the dealer service departments will pass this information on to all of their customers, but often it goes nowhere. 

So where can you look to see if there are any pending recalls on your car or truck? The best resource, by far, is the government agency in charge of recalls, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, also known as NHTSA. They provide a link directly to the part of the site that lists your vehicle. 

What is a recall? 

Sometimes a vehicle will turn out to have a serious problem that affects a large percentage of the cars or trucks produced for a certain period of time. For example, a certain model built between 2012 and 2014 may have brake rotors that were manufactured using a lower than acceptable grade of steel. As a result, a large number of these brake rotors began to warp from heat over time. So many have warped, in fact, that it becomes obvious to the car manufacturer that it's just a matter of time before most of the brake rotors in the affected date range become warped. Instead of forcing their loyal customers to foot the bill, a car or truck maker will issue a recall. This recall will offer to repair any cars or trucks in that year range by replacing the brake rotors free of charge. 

What if my car has been recalled?

If you have discovered that your vehicle has an active recall, the best place for you to go would be the nearest dealer service department. While not always the best choice for routine repairs, the service department will be the easiest and most efficient place to have your recall work done. They will be able to look up your Vehicle Identification Number to tell you whether your vehicle is affected. 

Heat, Not Cold, Shortens Battery Life

Here’s a hot tip about car batteries: Warm weather is the time for major car-battery problems. Heat, not cold, shortens battery life. The average life of a battery is three and a half years, and even shorter in warmer climates.

Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That can mean a slow death for a battery.

Statistics from the National Car Care Month inspection campaign show battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 13 percent of the vehicles and seven percent of the batteries were not properly held down.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:
•Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

•If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

•Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

•Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Dad’s “Automotive Type” Helps Decide Father’s Day Gift

There are two types of fathers, those who work on their cars and those who don’t. Whether your dad is a do-it-yourselfer (DIY) or a Do-It-For-Me type (DIFM), consider an automotive gift for dad this Father’s Day.

Sixty-nine percent of male drivers work on their car, truck, mini van or SUV, according to the Car Care Council. Whether it’s light maintenance, like changing the oil and replacing the wiper blades, or heavier projects, such as replacing brakes, most dads enjoy taking care of their vehicles. Automotive accessories, tools, parts and products make ideal Father’s Day gifts.

“If Dad’s a do-it-yourselfer, a gift certificate from the local auto parts store would be appropriate,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “If he’s a do-it-for me, think about a gift certificate for an oil change or other service at his favorite repair shop.”

Everyone loves a clean car, so offer to clean and polish Dad’s vehicle yourself. Remember to use automotive washes and waxes, not dishwashing detergent from under the kitchen sink. This can harm the vehicle’s finish.

A Bright Idea: Check Your Vehicle’s Lights and Wipers

It’s a bright idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, advises the Car Care Council. 

“Lights and wipers play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out. Also, inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.”

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe: 

• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.

• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

• If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.

The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states.

Your Car's Safety Check Should Start With A Stop

When it comes to your car's safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring. However, many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a car's brakes may need maintenance or repair.

For routine maintenance, it's important to check the vehicle's braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.

It is important to be alert and recognize the danger signs of brake problems. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

Is Your Check Engine Light On? Don’t Ignore it.

One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Vehicle check-ups during community car care events throughout the country reveal that the check engine light is on in nearly one out of ten vehicles.

“When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A glowing check engine light doesn't mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light could result in costly repairs. At the very least, the light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy.”

Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage.

When scheduling service, make sure the automotive shop that examines your vehicle has professional technicians who are trained and certified in OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle's computer system to a diagnostic scan tool, which will provide trouble codes indicating why the check engine light was activated.

While the diagnostic tool is connected, the technician can analyze data streams such as the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is fixed, the car's computer is reset to initiate the computer’s release process. The technician should then advise the customer of the proper course of action, potential warranty coverage, further testing if necessary and recommended repairs.

Dirty Oil? Maybe Your Engine Air Filter's To Blame

Wait a minute. The author meant to say, ‘oil filter’ you’re probably telling yourself. No, we really meant ‘engine air filter.’ If your car’s engine air filter is torn or clogged, your engine is probably running on dirty oil.

Think about it. A vehicle ingests about 10,000 gallons of air to burn a single gallon of fuel. And if you add to it all the contaminants that the air along roads and highways contains – soot, dust, debris, leaves, straw, tiny bits of rubber – imagine the amount of dirt that can enter the engine compartment each time you take your vehicle out,

“Dirt found alongside roads is of the worst kind,” said Kevin O'Dowd, Director of Marketing & Communications for MANN+HUMMEL Purolator, manufacturer and supplier of automotive filters to the North American aftermarket. (www.purolatorautofilters.com) “It’s abrasive and full of grit and when a large quantity of unfiltered roadside air enters the engine compartment, besides contaminating the oil, it has the greater potential to damage critical engine components like valves, piston rings and cylinder walls,” O'Dowd said.

“That’s the bigger risk – both mechanically and, ultimately, financially. A torn or clogged engine air filter, can compromise a car’s performance and long life, and possibly call for the cost of replacing the engine,” he said.

When considering an engine air filter replacement for your vehicle, the two most important criteria to consider are ‘capacity’ and ‘efficiency.’ Capacity is the amount of dirt the filter can hold before it begins to restrict the flow of air and efficiency describes how well it captures the dirt before it can enter the engine’s combustion chambers.

“Modern engines are built to be more fuel-efficient and have smaller orifices and tighter tolerances. This calls for engine air filters that can trap even the smallest particles of dirt preventing them from entering the system,” O'Dowd said.

That is why ‘capacity’ and ‘efficiency’ are two of the most important criteria in determining the quality of an engine air filter. For instance, Purolator’s PureONE engine air filter’s oil-wetted, high-capacity media offers up to twice the capacity of conventional filters to trap contaminants smaller than the size of a grain of sand and is 99.5 percent efficient. This means it traps 99.5 percent of particles 200 microns in size or larger. To clarify, one micron is a millionth of a meter. Likewise, Purolator Classic air filter’s multi-fiber, high-density media traps 96.5 percent of such contaminants.

Also important to consider is the design and construction of the filter. The media in a panel-type filter is attached to a binding so it can hold its shape. If the adhesive used to attach the media to the binding framework is of inferior quality, it may melt or soften due to high under-hood temperatures. This may cause the media to pull away leaving a gap that will allow unfiltered air to enter the engine and do damage. Or, if the air filter begins to get clogged, the engine vacuum can suck in the media, causing it to rupture and once again allow unfiltered air to bypass and enter the engine.

Changing your car’s engine air filter is quick, easy and inexpensive. Older cars often had a round air filter resting in a round housing under a lid held in place by a wing nut. Today’s more advanced fuel-injected engines normally use a flat, rectangular panel-type air filter that resides in black plastic duct work in the engine compartment. Usually, all you need to do is release several clamps, separate the housing halves, lift out the old filter, and install the new one. It’s usually that simple, O'Dowd said. And your local mechanic or parts store counterman should be happy to show you where your air filter is located.

Most people should change their vehicle’s engine air filter once a year or every 12,000 miles unless you’re driving in unusually dirty or dusty conditions, said O'Dowd. Because of the long intervals between changes it’s important to install the best filter possible for reliable and efficient filtering.

Stopping and Steering are Keys to Driving Safely

Written By: Tony Molla

There are more vehicles on U.S. roads than ever before. With an estimated 240.5 million cars and light trucks crowding our roads as of 2011, your safety and that of others is at risk when your vehicle isn't stopping and steering at its best. Reducing your vehicle's stopping distance by just an inch or so could make the difference between a minor scare and a major fender bender.

Crowded roads aren't the only concern. The roads themselves are often in a sorry state of repair. Portions of our highway system (including many bridges) haven't seen much in the way of maintenance or repair since they were built.

In cold climates, the freeze/thaw cycle enlarges cracks and holes in the pavement. In sunnier spots, the heat, heavy cargo hauling and years of neglect take their own toll on roads. The result can be a moonscape of potholes that can affect the handling of your vehicle. Bad roads can cause suspension components, so vital to steering control and handling, to grow old before their time.

But you don't have to be an automotive expert to keep your vehicle's stopping and steering systems safe. An ASE-certified brake service technician is trained to diagnose problems and identify potential areas of concern, such as checking thickness of rotors and identifying worn brake lines and hoses.

Pay a little now, or a lot later

Putting off repairs for too long results in growing costs. For example, let’s look at a typical brake job. Not only will you have to buy new brake pads, but add in new brake rotors as well to replace the ones that were ruined by procrastination.

New rotors can range from $50 to $250 or more, depending upon the vehicle application — and that's for each wheel. Even if normal wear dictates rotor replacement, the upside is that it could be the last time you'll ever replace them before you trade in the vehicle.

It's important to perform needed maintenance early. Allowing the situation to bloom into an expensive repair threatens the practicality of keeping your paid-for wheels on the road. If you made 36, 48 or even 60 monthly payments without flinching in order to buy the car, but don't like to pay for maintenance, try considering it as a short-term "car payment" that only has to be made occasionally.

Safety tips for brake service:

• Invest in a top-quality brake pads.
• If any rotors are marginal for continued service after refinishing (too thin or very close to the minimum thickness specification), have them replaced. An ASE-certified technician can compare the specification dimension and your rotors' actual thickness for you on request. If you own an older vehicle equipped with original equipment (OE) rotors, be prepared to replace them at this time.
• Have the brake calipers inspected to ensure that any moving parts, such as slides and bleeder screws, haven't corroded and frozen up.
• Don't always jump at the lowest quoted price for your brake job. A low price quote can mean that you're not getting the complete brake system serviced.

Remember, there are cheap jobs that use basic components. There are also more-expensive jobs that use premium components. When evaluating the cost of any vehicle repair or maintenance, consider the quality of work and the parts. What's the cost difference between the two? Which one would you trust most?

Beyond basic brake pads and rotor replacement or resurfacing, ask for quotations on the following expanded parts and services if you own an older vehicle:

• If your brake hydraulic system has never been flushed, consider having it serviced to remove moisture and impurities from the fluid reservoir, lines, calipers and/or wheel cylinders.
• Have rubber-type flex brake hoses replaced when they're hard, cracked or simply old.
• When rotors are being resurfaced for reuse, request inspection of the wheel bearings.
• On rear-wheel-drive cars or trucks, have the front wheel bearings inspected and repacked with new grease, along with replacing the seals. Don't take the chance of being stranded over an inexpensive bearing or seal.
• For drum brake applications, ask to have a new brake hardware kit installed when the brake shoes are replaced and the drums are refinished. The technician should ensure that each assembly's wheel cylinder pistons, starwheel adjuster and bleeder screw aren't sticking or seized.
• Have your emergency brake assembly tested periodically. Have it repaired or adjusted if necessary.

This approach to vehicle maintenance may cost a little more up front, but if you make the investment now, you can be sure that-old or new-your car or truck will stop in the shortest distance possible-and be able to steer around trouble.

If your vehicle is more than five years old and has only had brake pad and rotor servicing in the past, it's generally appropriate to have the items from our expanded list serviced or replaced.

SIDEBAR:

An ‘Epidemic’ of Unperformed Maintenance
Consider these facts regarding vehicles and maintenance:

• In its Automotive Aftermarket Status Report 2012, analysts at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) reported unperformed vehicle maintenance across the entire U.S. fleet had grown to $62 billion in 2010, compared to $54 billion a year earlier.
• According to a 2005 Car Care Council report, poorly maintained vehicles account for 5 percent of all accidents, causing more than $2 billion in property damage, lost wages and medical expenses.
• The average age of cars on today’s U.S. roads is more than 11 years, according to a 2011 study by Polk, a Southfield, Mich.-based research firm. Light-duty trucks average 10.4 years old, and the average age of the U.S. fleet is 10.8 years old.

Arbitrarily dividing the unperformed maintenance amount by an assumed (and generous) average repair cost of $300 per vehicle across the entire car and light truck fleet potentially indicates that 206.6 million vehicles need some type of maintenance and repair.

Amazingly, this suggests that more than 85 percent of the entire passenger car and light truck fleet suffers from some form of unperformed maintenance. If your vehicle is over five years old, the likelihood that it needs maintenance or service of any type climbs dramatically.

Gas-Saving Tips for Your Auto

While it is always wise to conserve natural resources, the recent price of gasoline has made even the most wasteful people think twice. Whatever your motivation, here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Monitor tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage.

Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on-assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel.

Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle. Win-win, indeed.

Filters: Your Vehicle’s First Line of Defense

Filters are your vehicle’s first line of defense to ensure performance, longevity and interior comfort, according to the Car Care Council.

The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors. The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars). The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle’s ventilation system.

“Your air filter has a big job since your car’s engine can use more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon or fuel burned,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Regularly checking all of your vehicle’s filters and replacing them as needed is a simple and inexpensive way to care for your car.”  

Filters are normal wear items that require regular checks and replacements. Factors that affect replacement intervals include mileage/time, driving habits, driving and road conditions, type of filter and vehicle type.

April 22nd is Earth Day, but You Can Celebrate All Year with These "Green" Auto Tips

By changing a few habits, motorists can do their part in helping the environment, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, improved automotive habits will help your vehicle last longer and command a better resale price.

The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care:          

• Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the owner’s manual.  

• Don’t ignore that ‘Service Engine’ light. Today’s vehicles have much cleaner tailpipe emissions that they did 30 years ago, but a poorly running engine or faulty exhaust system will cause your vehicle to pollute much more than it would otherwise.  

• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Not only will you reduce the engine’s effort and, thus, gasoline consumption, your tires will last longer too, saving you money and easing the burden at recycling centers.  

• Have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

• Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations. Both of these habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to one trip to eliminate unnecessary driving.  

• Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight equals better gas mileage. Remove that roof-top luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag, too.  

• If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items from consumer. You can also contact local government for hazardous material drop-off/recycling stations. Remember too that improperly disposed fluids such as antifreeze can harm pets and wildlife.  

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. More than 360,000 automotive service professionals hold current ASE certifications. They work at all types of facilities, from new car dealerships, to national chains, independent repair shops, fleets, parts stores, and more. There employers often display the blue and white ASE sign, while the technicians wear shoulder insignia or lapel pins identifying himself or herself as ASE certified.

How to Tell if Water Has Damaged Your Car

With heavy rain pounding many parts of the country, there’s a good chance that you’ll drive through high water that could damage your vehicle. Even though your vehicle may not have been flooded or completely covered in water, the Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow these guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination:

• Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then the vehicle will need professional attention. If you simply let the carpet dry, it will quickly grow mildew and give off nasty odors. Seat brackets, motors and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation.
• Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. The vehicle should be towed to your ASE-certified technician or repair shop. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. The council reminds motorists that some new synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky but are not water contaminated. When in doubt, a professional automotive technician should make the evaluation.
• Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.
• Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris and rust. If any of these are present, the vehicle should be washed and cleaned as soon as possible.
• Have the brake system checked by a professional automotive technician.
• Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.
• Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a professional automotive technician as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner and wheel bearings.
• Inspect the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust.

“It all comes down to how much water the vehicle took in and where it reached,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By being car care aware and following these simple guidelines, you can help minimize the potential for damage to your vehicle.”

April is National Car Care Month

National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the road.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Chances are if you own a car, it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time to focus on your vehicle’s maintenance needs.”

Results of community car care events held throughout the country last year show that most consumers are neglecting their cars, with seven out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process. 

“These results show that the majority of vehicle owners could save money by being more proactive when it comes to their vehicle,” White said. “Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, make sure your car is ready for the spring and summer travel season.”

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

•Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be checked at every fill-up and changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Brake, transmission, power steering, coolant and windshield washer fluids should also be checked regularly. Your car’s filters, including those for the transmission, fuel system and interior ventilation, need regular inspection and replacement.

•Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted. Check V-belts and serpentine belts for looseness and condition, and have them replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Typically replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or the interval specified in the owner’s manual to avoid a breakdown or serious engine damage.

•Check the engine brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

•Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

•Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

•Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

•Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

•Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

•Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

•Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

6 Simple Spring Car Care Tips

Written By: Doug DeMuro

All across the country, winter is winding down. With more sun and rising temperatures comes an entirely different strategy for car care. Fortunately, we're here to help. Here are six simple tips to help you care for your vehicle as winter makes way for spring.

Wash and Wax

A good, thorough wash and wax is the most important thing to do with your car once the winter is over. Winter driving can cause a huge amount of road grime, debris and -- worst of all -- salt to build up on your car. You want to make sure those items are long gone before spring starts. Allowing debris and grime to build up on your car can affect its paint and finish, while allowing salt to build up can lead to rust and other serious problems.

Clean the Inside, Too

Nobody wants to spend time cleaning out their car during a cold winter day. That's why spring is the perfect time to clean your car's interior, so spend a day doing some spring cleaning. Remove and throw away all the interior papers, trash and other items that have accrued over the winter. Not only will you have a clean car, but your spring cleaning can be done when it's more temperate and comfortable outside -- especially important if you have to vacuum your carpets and seats.

Check Your Tire Pressures

Tire pressure is especially important in the spring. As air temperatures get cooler during the winter, tire pressures decrease, which probably caused you to fill up your tires during the winter months. But as air gets warmer again in the spring, tire pressures can increase. If the pressure increases past your manufacturer specification (because you added air during the winter), it can seriously affect your car's drivability and fuel economy. This is an important part of car care, so if you don't feel comfortable checking your car's tire pressures by yourself, take it to an auto parts store or a national shop -- such as Big O Tires, Sears Auto Center or Firestone -- which will usually perform the check for a low price or maybe even for free.

Inspect Your Wiper Blades

As spring starts and temperatures warm up, check your wiper blades for any signs of cracking or wear. The wiper itself could wear dramatically over the winter due to ice buildup or other issues on your windshield. In most parts of the country, you'll need those wipers for spring rains, so be sure they're in good working order after winter comes and goes.

Check Under the Hood

Do a thorough check under your hood to make sure your car's engine made it through the winter without problems. Specifically, check belts and hoses to ensure the cold temperatures haven't rendered them brittle or heavily worn. Check your coolant to make sure it's not too old -- an important factor for avoiding overheating as temperatures gradually climb. If you aren't comfortable performing these checks on your own, contact a local mechanic. While you may get billed for an hour of labor, it's better than going into the spring with potential issues lurking under your hood.

Check Alignment and Suspension

Winter is known for being harsh on roads, and that in turn can be harsh on your vehicle. If you find yourself frequently traversing roads with huge potholes or rocks that have emerged from the asphalt, it could ruin your car's alignment or damage suspension components. Our advice: If you've taken your car to a mechanic to check under the hood, ask for a quick suspension and alignment check to make sure nothing is too far outside the manufacturer's specifications.