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The ADA Dispenses Remedies to Help Vehicles Beat the Winter Blues

22 September 2000

The ADA Dispenses Remedies to Help Vehicles Beat the Winter Blues

    Car Care Tips for National Car Care Month From the Automobile Dealers
                     Association of Greater Philadelphia

    EAST NORRITON, Pa., Sept. 22 October is an ideal time of
year for motorists to repair and maintain their vehicles before winter
strikes, according to the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater
Philadelphia (ADA).  States across the country celebrate October as National
Car Care Month because statistics show that motorists often neglect routine
maintenance issues that affect the performance of their vehicles.
    The mission of National Car Care Month is to improve highway safety, air
quality and fuel conservation.  The ADA recommends the following preventive
measures:

    -- Become familiar with your vehicle's owner's manual.  It contains the
       manufacturer's suggested repair and maintenance schedule.
    -- Consider your regular driving conditions.  Service intervals for engine
       oil, filters and other key components can be significantly shorter
       during severe conditions.
    -- Avoid driving at high speeds.  High-speed driving reduces fuel
       efficiency.
    -- Avoid lengthy idling, which wastes gas.
    -- Change your vehicle's oil every 3,000 miles or as recommended in your
       vehicle's owner's manual.
    -- Keep tires properly inflated; check the pressure every few weeks.
       Under-inflated tires decrease gas mileage and shorten the life of the
       tire.
    -- Check your vehicle's belts, air filters, cooling system and fluids.
    -- Make fewer trips in your vehicle if possible.  Consider carpooling to
       work.
    -- Avoid roads in bad condition, which could affect wheel alignment and
       reduce fuel efficiency.

    "Many vehicle owners do not realize that practicing regular maintenance
can avoid costly problems in the future," said Kevin Mazzucola, executive
director of the ADA.  "October is an ideal time to focus on maintenance
issues, before winter strikes.  However, preventive maintenance should be
practiced regularly by all motorists."