Five Simple Tips to Maintain Your Investment

    ATLANTA--Sept. 25, 2001--October is National Car Care Month, a time when drivers are urged to focus attention to the benefits of maintaining our nation's vehicles. According to a recent survey of ASE-certified Master Technicians, a properly maintained vehicle will run more efficiently, pollute less and last up to 50 percent longer. Armed with basic automotive knowledge, consumers can take simple, precautionary steps to ensure automobiles stay in top shape.
    With women comprising more than half of all car buyers and influencing 90% percent of all vehicle purchases, it's no surprise that 65 percent of consumers who bring their vehicles in for service are women, as well. In honor of National Car Care Month, AutoTrader.com, an Internet used car classifieds site, and Tara Baukus Mello, a top automotive expert and founder of SheDrives.com -- providing women advice when buying, driving and maintaining their cars -- offer these tips to help women keep their vehicles in good working order.

--	Read the owner's manual. Detailed safety and maintenance information on everything from recommended tire pressure to the necessary gasoline octane level is easily researched in the car's handbook. Knowledge gained from reading the manual can prevent misuse and help determine when repairs are covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Do-it-yourself, offensive maintenance tips such as how to change oil, fuel and air filters, fuses and basic fluids such as antifreeze or windshield fluid can help prevent breakdowns and save money.
--	Find a good service shop. Talk to friends and co-workers. Word of mouth is the best form of referral, but it's also helpful to test the facility with a minor repair to make sure you are pleased with the service. For more complicated maintenance issues, take your car to someone who specializes in your brand. You may have to pay more, but these technicians have special training that can save time, money and aggravation.
--	Treat tires with extra care. Examine tires monthly for nicks, cuts, punctures and uneven tread wear. Try the penny test: with your thumb and forefinger, pinch Abe Lincoln's body and insert his head between the grooves of the tread. If you can see any part of Lincoln's head, it's time to have the tire(s) replaced. Perform this test in several areas of each tire to check for uneven tread wear. Also, use a tire pressure gauge to check the inflation levels on each tire at least monthly, using the suggested levels in the owner's manual. The pressure listed on the sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended inflation level, so be careful not to over inflate. Under- and over-inflated tires can interfere with the vehicle's handling capabilities, cause excessive or uneven tread wear and can reduce fuel economy.
--	Keep detailed service records. Request a written estimate along with warranty terms and conditions before agreeing to any repairs and ask to see the worn out or damaged parts upon completion. Keeping work orders and service receipts as a record of the work done will help in the event of a future claim or when you sell the car.
--	Communicate effectively with your mechanic. When going in for service, describe your car's symptoms -- including sounds, smells, leaks and changes in performance and operation. Tell the technician if the problem is constant or periodic, under what circumstances and when it started, as well as if gauge readings change or warning lights illuminate on the dashboard. Unless you have significant expertise, don't offer a probable diagnosis with the mechanic, who could end up repairing only what you think is the problem, when something completely different could be the culprit.