10 Tips for a More Reliable Car
By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®
With gas prices climbing, everyone feels the crunch when it’s time to fill up. Midas and “The Car Coach,” Lauren Fix, have teamed up to offer a few, quick and easy car care tips to help maintain better gas mileage, save money on fuel and make your car last longer. Visit Midas.com for more details. 1. Check Your Tire Pressure once a month against the number on the inside of your driver-side door. Also, check your tire pressures in the morning when the tires are cold. Proper tire pressure can save you money at the pump and extend the life of your tires. Don't forget your spare! 2. Change The Air Filter every six months – it’s the lungs of your car. Replacing a dirty air filter can improve your fuel economy. 3. Replace Your Wiper Blades every six months. Eight percent of your driving decisions are based on visibility. If you live in colder climates, uses winter wiper blades that will keep the blades on the windshield when you need it most. 4. Recognize the Check Engine Light. This can cause your automobile to pollute and can destroy a fuel economy by as much as 40 percent. When that light is flashing, pull over immediately, shut off the engine and call a technician. It’s serious. 5. Change Your Oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Your engine works very hard and is the heart of your car, so be sure to visit a Midas near you and get a good quality, name brand oil and oil filter. Also, check your oil once per month. . 6. Use Coolant or Anti Freeze to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It also has rust inhibitors to protect the inside of your engine. Have Midas check all fluid levels when your oil is changed and replace standard coolant/anti-freeze every other year. 7. Check Your Lights. Have you noticed your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be? Headlight bulbs should be replaced every other year, and are low cost and easy to replace. As they dim over time, you can even lose your night vision. Don’t forget to check your tail lights so you can also be seen. 8. Keep an Emergency Safety Kit in your trunk in a box or duffel bag. The kit should include items such as: - Jumper cables or battery jump starter
- Flashlight with new batteries
- Tire inflation product
- First aid kit
- Flare and safety triangle
- Road service card - especially good if you travel
- Maps
- Extra washer fluid
- Basic tools
9. Extend the Life of Your Car. Cars are your second most expensive investment. By following the owner’s manual, your car can be counted on to last 10 or more years and well beyond 100,000 miles. Routine maintenance can help your car achieve its potential. 10. Get the Right Technician. With over 50 years experience in servicing the maintenance needs of customers throughout North America, Midas can be trusted to provide you convenient, expert service. Visit us at Midas.com for more information, and great values of your neighborhood Midas dealers. |