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AAA Advises Motorists to ''Take Five'' During October Car Care Month

28 September 2000

AAA Advises Motorists to ''Take Five'' During October Car Care Month

    ORLANDO, Fla.--Sept. 27, 2000--AAA is urging motorists to "take five" before the onset of colder weather and the winter driving season.
    More than recommending a pause in normal driving routines, AAA suggests motorists take time out in October to remember there are five primary maintenance items that should be attended to during this time of year:

1. Check all fluid levels, vehicle lights and belts and hoses.
    Refill, replace or adjust as necessary.

2. Replace wiper blades if they are more than six months old.

3. Change the oil if it has been more than 7,000 miles since the last
    re-lubrication. Older vehicles will require more frequent oil
    changes.

4. Flush and refill engine coolant if it has been more than three
    years since the last coolant change.

5. Inspect tires and check brakes if the vehicle has more than 30,000
    miles on the odometer, or it has been more than 30,000 miles since
    the last brake job.

    "The best place to learn about preparing a vehicle for the winter driving season is as near as the glove compartment," said John Nielsen, director, AAA Repair Network. "For specific maintenance information about the vehicle you drive, there is no more authoritative source."
    According to AAA, vehicle maintenance schedules and practices have changed over the years, but one piece of common-sense advice remains as true today as it did in the early years of the automobile: By taking time to regularly assess the condition of your vehicle, you improve the chances of avoiding a safety or security situation down the road.
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