| Auto care is vital for a vehicle to operate smoothly | | | | minor problems within the engine. As a thumb rule, |
| and always remain in a good condition. Automobile | | | | change the oil filter on a regular basis, each |
| owners as such, need to pay attention toward the | | | | 3,000-4,000 miles. |
| maintenance of their vehicles. Lack of attention on their | | | | 2. Checking the tire inflation is a part of auto care. |
| part hampers the performance and quality of the | | | | Tires, which are under-inflated, result in loss of fuel |
| engine causing grave maintenance problems. | | | | efficiency. This is one cheap form of safety and |
| Non-availability of spare parts further adds to this | | | | preventive maintenance. Check the tires every month. |
| problem. | | | | 3. Check all the fluids that include power steering, |
| Recent studies note, five percent of fatalities related to | | | | brake, antifreeze and windshield washer solvent and |
| motor vehicles are due to negligence of automobile | | | | transaxle/transmission, since these fluids ensure safety |
| maintenance. Auto care extends the life of an | | | | and good performance of a vehicle and are an |
| automobile, ensures a safer movement and | | | | important measure of auto care. |
| contributes to a healthy environment. | | | | 4. Since a restricted fuel injector/polluted spark plug |
| Auto care means keeping the engine in tune so the | | | | reduces the efficiency of fuel by 30%, an automobile |
| owner saves on money as well as time. Tuning up the | | | | owner has to be cautious while tuning up the engine. |
| engine at fixed intervals helps in keeping it run | | | | 5. Clean the battery posts and cables when needed |
| smoothly, addresses other electrical and mechanical | | | | and check the same for corrosion. Besides, check |
| problems in the engine and is economical. If an engine | | | | battery fluids and fill them if low except for batteries |
| is encountering problems, it is advisable that owners | | | | that are maintenance-free. |
| take it to a technician, who will locate the exact cause | | | | 6. For auto care, inspect engine belts always since |
| and suggest an appropriate solution. Skip the idea of | | | | worn belts are likely to affect performance of the |
| having it checked by a service provider for the tune | | | | engine. See if these belts have developed any cracks |
| up. | | | | and try fixing the problem. |
| Auto Care Tips: | | | | 7. Lubricate the chassis often, since it extends life of |
| Automobile owners need to care for their vehicle right | | | | engine components. |
| from the date of its purchase and have a little bit | | | | 8. Check the lighting system including turn signals, |
| knowledge of its engine. Often, service providers take | | | | taillights, brake and headlights. |
| vehicle owners for a ride cheating on them and the | | | | 9. Automobile owners need to check washer blades |
| owners have to shell out a huge amount on fixing a | | | | of the windshield for tears and cracks and replace |
| minor engine problem. | | | | them once in every year. |
| Tuning up the engine, as part of auto care, includes | | | | 10. As a step toward auto care, always check for air |
| replacing the ignition wires, spark plugs, PCV (positive | | | | filtration system in the engine. Owners need to do this |
| crankcase ventilation valve), air filters and fuel. In | | | | at every oil change for confirming if there is any |
| addition, auto care calls for testing ignition system, | | | | damage or clogging. It ensures better functioning of the |
| servicing injectors and fuel system and resetting | | | | vehicle. |
| engine timing. | | | | 11. Always keep the user manual handy. No matter |
| Consider following tips so the engine stays tuned up | | | | whether the engine is minor or major, the moment it |
| and the vehicle performs well: | | | | gives any problem, owners may refer the same for |
| 1. For auto care by self, it is ideal for automobile | | | | fixing temporary problems before taking the vehicle to |
| owners to refer the user manual for fixing certain | | | | a qualified technician. |