Don’t Let a Worn Out Vehicle Leave You Stranded This Summer. A few simple maintenance checks can keep your car up and running

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 2 /PRNewswire/ — Summer is here and that means
more Americans are hitting the road heading for vacations and family
getaways. However, many motorists are leaving home without performing
proper maintenance on their cars — a decision that could leave them and
their families stranded on the roadside during the hottest time of year.

“By keeping up with the maintenance on their vehicles, drivers can
sharply decrease their chances of an unexpected breakdown,” said Bruce
Bonebrake, master mechanic and host of Weekend Mechanic on the DIY Network.
“When taking a road trip with your family, the last thing you want to deal
with is car trouble that could have been prevented with some simple
upkeep.”

Poorly maintained cars and trucks lead to thousands of traffic
accidents each year. According to the National Car Care Council, a national
non-profit organization that educates consumers about proper vehicle care,
the cost of accidents caused by vehicles that are not properly maintained
is more than $2 billion annually.

“Staying on top of vehicle maintenance will not only keep your car on
the road and increase your gas mileage but most importantly keep you and
your family safe,” Bonebrake said.

Quick and easy vehicle maintenance tips

— Perform routine scheduled maintenance checks. Motorists should check
their owner’s manual for a schedule of recommended maintenance intervals
from the vehicle manufacturer. If the owner’s manual has been lost, many
Web sites, such as the National Car Care Council’s web site
http://www.carcare.org, offer a recommended maintenance schedule for vehicles.

— Be proactive. Even if it is not one of the recommended time
intervals to have your vehicle checked, it is important to inspect under
the hood and around your vehicle before long trips.

— Have the vehicle’s battery tested. Summer heat can have a big effect
on a car’s battery. Many vehicles do not give any warning signs of imminent
battery failure until the car doesn’t start. One of the best preventative
measure motorists can take is to have their car batteries tested before a
big trip. Battery testing usually is a free service offered by automotive
retailers such as AutoZone.

— Inspect tires for wear and appropriate tire pressure. Tire problems
are the leading cause of breakdowns. Under-inflated tires can lead to
blowouts and serious accidents. The appropriate tire pressure amount can be
found inside the driver-side door on most vehicles.

— Check belts and hoses for signs of wear. Belt or hose failure is the
second leading cause of roadside breakdowns and one in every five vehicles
on the road needs to have a belt repaired. When any wear is noticed,
drivers should change the belt or have a professional change the belt. The
old belt can be kept in the trunk as a spare, in case the new belt fails.

— Be prepared. Visit an automotive retailer and purchase a roadside
emergency kit. Also keep items such as a tire pressure gauge, spare
serpentine belt and jumper cables handy. Motorists can learn more about car
maintenance by visiting http://www.carcare.org or talking to an expert at a local
automotive retailer such as AutoZone.

For more information or to interview an automotive expert, please
contact Kim Speros at 901-260-4117 or email ksperos@archermalmo.com.

Vehicle Maintenance FAQs

How often should drivers perform maintenance checks on their vehicles?

— Consumers should check their owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s
recommended service intervals. However, correct service intervals can
change depending on the type of driving done by the motorist.

— Check washer, coolant and other fluid levels at every oil change.

— The National Car Care Council recommends motorists plan ahead to
allow time to perform necessary maintenance or repairs before major road
trips.

How can motorists tell when the battery is about to die?

— Batteries last on average three years. Driving conditions and style
of driving factor in to the life of the battery.

— A vehicle may experience very subtle signs of battery failure that
often go unnoticed.

— Signs that a vehicle is experiencing battery failure may include:
dimming headlights and interior lights, slow engine starting, “check
engine” light is on or accessories failing to operate.

— Since indications of battery failure are commonly subtle and
misdiagnosed, many drivers only become aware of the condition when their
car no longer starts.

— Newer cars have more efficient starting systems, so battery
hesitation is not always noticeable.

Does the summer heat have an impact on car batteries?

— Heat is the biggest factor in a shortened battery life.

— Corrosion caused by heat is the leading cause of battery failure.

— When temperatures are at their highest this summer, drivers should
be aware of the factors that contribute to failure.

— Residents in warmer regions experience diminished battery life, at
least 1/3 less life than residents in cooler climates.

Why is it important to check belts and hoses?

— When a belt or hose fails, the vehicle will not run and motorists
are stranded.

— When any cracks or signs of wear are noticed, drivers should change
the belt or hose or have a professional perform the repair. The old belt
can be kept in the trunk as a spare, in case the new belt fails.

— Belt changes are usually fairly simple and can sometimes be done by
the customer with just one tool.

What is the recommended tire pressure for my vehicle?

— Optimal tire pressure is usually listed inside the vehicle’s
driver-side door.

— The tire pressure recommendation may also be located inside the
owner’s manual to your vehicle.

— Most of the time, accurate tire pressure is specific to make and
model of vehicle so it is important to check for your specific vehicle.

http://www.carcare.org