April is Car Care Month

April is Car Care Month

Wheels

By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment.

Especially now, with record high gas prices, regular vehicle maintenance is even more important as it can increase gas mileage by as much as 10 per cent, according to the Car Care Council.

In 2007, results of car care events showed that consumers are neglecting their cars, with eight out of 10 vehicles failing at least one component of the vehicle inspection process.

Low tire pressure, which decreases gas mileage and tire life, was found on 14 percent of the cars inspected, while 24 per cent had worn tread and were in need of replacement.

Of the vehicles checked, 24 per cent had dirty air filters, which can also decrease gas mileage and increase emissions, and the "check engine" light was on in 12 per cent of the vehicles. Problems with lubricants and fluids were also found in 27 per cent of the vehicles inspected, which can affect the car's performance and damage internal parts if not properly maintained.

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