Spring Into Vehicle Maintenance; The Car Care Council Offers Car Care Checklist

BETHESDA, Md., March 15 -- Now that winter is just a memory, millions of Americans will take to the roads to enjoy the warmer weather. The Car Care Council reminds motorists that spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming travel season.

Whether you're driving across the country or driving across town, the Car Care Council recommends checking the following vehicle components before embarking on your next trip:

  Exterior:

  * Wiper blades play an extremely important role in increasing visibility.
    Replace every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or
    chattering.

  * Check the tires. A simple test to check tire tread depth is to insert a
    penny into the tread of the tire. If the top of Lincoln's head sticks
    out, your tires are starting to show signs of wear and should be
    replaced. Also check the tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven
    wear, which could indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Also look for
    bulges and bald spots.

  * Give your car a good washing from top to bottom. Use a product
    specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels
    before washing the body, and don't use the same mitt for both.

  * If you find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as
    possible. For a quick fix until you can get some touchup supplies, dab a
    little clear nail polish on the scratch.

  * Spring is an excellent time for waxing, which not only protects the
    finish but also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make
    sure there are no foreign particles on the paint.

  Under the Hood:

  * A good rule of thumb is that a change of season equals a change of oil.
    Changing your car's oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles,
    whichever comes first, will ensure that your car operates at peak
    efficiency.

  * Get a tune-up if necessary. As part of the 21st Century Tune-Up on
    today's modern vehicles, the following systems should be inspected:
    battery, charging and starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control
    (including onboard diagnostic checks), fuel, ignition and emissions.

  * Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention,
    including engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission
    fluids, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. The
    antifreeze/coolant should be refreshed every two years.

  * Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical
    system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling
    system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old
    hoses and clamps that appear to be in marginal condition may need to be
    replaced.

  Under the Vehicle:

  * Spring is a good time to check the entire brake system, including brake
    linings, rotors and drums.

  * Check the shocks or struts for signs of physical damage, such as
    leaking, rusting, or dents. Also be aware of the warning signs that you
    may need them replaced: vehicle rolls or sways on turns, front end dives
    when braking, rear end squats when accelerating, vehicle sits lower in
    the front or rear, a loss of directional control during sudden stops,
    and the vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding and rough road.

  * If you notice any fluid puddles or stains under your vehicle, it is a
    good idea to have it inspected. There are several fluids that can leak
    from the vehicle including antifreeze/coolant, battery acid, brake
    fluid, clear water, diesel fuel, engine oil, gasoline, gear oil, power
    steering fluid, shock and strut fluid, transmission fluid and windshield
    washer fluid.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. To obtain a free service interval schedule, visit http://www.carcare.org/.