Get revved up with vehicle maintenance tips to treat your car this October

Nearly 90 percent of Americans drive to work each day, says a study by the U.S. Census Bureau. With the average American spending more than 100 hours per year commuting to work, regular vehicle maintenance should be a top priority for motorists. With that in mind, Firestone Complete Auto Care is suggesting a few vehicle maintenance tips to help you care for your vehicle this National Fall Car Care Month:

* Check tire pressure at least once per month. Properly inflated tires can positively affect fuel economy, traction and vehicle handling.

* Change your oil and oil filter according to your vehicle's owner's manual--typically every three months or 3,000 miles. Prolonged driving without an oil change may cause severe engine damage.

* Check your vehicle's fluid levels, including transmission, brake, power steering, windshield washer and coolant to make sure they're properly filled. Always follow the checking procedures indicated in the owner's manual.  If the fluids are low, add only enough to bring the indicators to "full" -- never overfill.

* Rotate your tires according to the schedule in your vehicle's maintenance guide -- approximately every 5000 miles. Regular rotation can minimize uneven tread wear and increase the life of your tires.

* Have your alignment checked at least once per year. Proper wheel alignment can make your vehicle more fuel-efficient, improve vehicle handling, and increase the life of your tires.

* Schedule an annual vehicle checkup. It's important to have your vehicle inspected annually by a professional technician to make sure it's running as efficiently as possible.

By properly caring for your vehicle this October and throughout the year, you can help ensure a safer and more efficient daily commute.To learn more about tires, vehicle maintenance, career opportunities or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations across the united states, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com or call 1-800-LOCATE-US.

Photos courtesy of Godsoe and Thunderace  and  via flicker.com creative commons

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor

women-car-buyers

* Rotate your tires according to the schedule in your vehicle's maintenance guide -- approximately every 5000 miles. Regular rotation can minimize uneven tread wear and increase the life of your tires.

* Have your alignment checked at least once per year. Proper wheel alignment can make your vehicle more fuel-efficient, improve vehicle handling, and increase the life of your tires.

* Schedule an annual vehicle checkup. It's important to have your vehicle inspected annually by a professional technician to make sure it's running as efficiently as possible.

By properly caring for your vehicle this October and throughout the year, you can help ensure a safer and more efficient daily commute.To learn more about tires, vehicle maintenance, career opportunities or Firestone Complete Auto Care locations across the united states, visit www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com or call 1-800-LOCATE-US.

Photos courtesy of Godsoe and Thunderace  and  via flicker.com creative commons

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor

women-car-buyers

Comments

[Annie]

This is great advice! Especially since it is so important to maintain your car with loans difficult to get. Yvonne Loop of Von's CARSTAR in Tucson gave me some great advice when maintaining your car's appearance:
• Don’t put grocery bags, keys, luggage or anything that can scratch the paint on top of your vehicle.
• Avoid gravel roads to prevent paint chipping.
• Don’t wash your car in the sun, because it causes heavy water spots.
• Immediately rinse hazardous fluids, such as gasoline and anti-freeze off your car.
• Take time to park your car in a safe spot to avoid door dings.