Regular Maintenance Can Help You Get More Miles Out of Your Car

DALLAS, Sept. 27 -- Peanut butter and jelly, chips and salsa, vegetables and ... oil changes? They really do have something in common -- they both promote good health. Just like your mother told you to eat your vegetables so you could be strong and healthy, you have probably been told that you are supposed to change the oil in your car regularly, according to the guidelines in your car's owner's manual. Your driving habits, the climate you live in, and the conditions you drive in will determine whether you are on a regular or severe schedule. But like you may skip the broccoli and opt for fries instead, you may let your oil change slip, thinking it really doesn't make that big of a difference. But regular oil changes and maintenance can have a big impact on how long your car lasts.

The Automotive Oil Change Association and its fast lube members have been educating the public for over 20 years about the importance of regular oil changes and maintenance for the health of their car. An article in the October issue of Consumer Reports, a magazine that many people look to as a trusted resource of information on all kinds of products and services, has really brought home the point.

The article features people who have well-running cars with over 200,000 miles on them, and emphasizes the importance of maintenance in making your car last, saying "The most important thing in keeping a car performing properly is to follow the maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner's manual and make necessary repairs promptly. If you think you are saving money by skipping an oil change, think again. Missing even one oil change can accelerate premature engine wear and cause engine damage." Speaking of saving money, the article goes on to compare the costs of keeping and maintaining a car for 225,000 miles over 15 years and buying and financing a similar new car every five years. The savings really add up for those who maintain their cars and keep them for the long haul -- over $20,000!

So the next time you're tempted to skip that oil change, remember the price you and your car may pay in the long run. As for skipping the vegetables ... well, you know what mom said.