:: Preventive Maintenance ::
Preventive Maintenance includes a schedule of planned maintenance actions aimed at the prevention of breakdowns and failures. Reasons to perform routine preventive maintenance on your vehicle are numerous, but the top reasons:
- :: prolong the life of your vehicle
- :: ensure optimal performance & fuel efficiency
- :: prevent more costly repairs
- :: obtain a worry-free driving experience
Despite these benefits, many drivers tend to out off performing maintenance basics. A recent independent Industry survey found:
- :: 38% of cars had low or dirty engine oil
- :: 54% had low tire pressure
- :: 28% had inadequate cooling protection
- :: 19% needed new belts
- :: 16 percent had dirty air filters
- :: 10% had low or contaminated brake fluid
Several of these factors decrease fuel efficiency, but all of them contribute to the likelihood of preventable-and more costly-repairs. The key to keeping vehicles running well today and down the road, then, is routine preventive maintenance. Most of the checks and services can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and painless when compared to the cost in time and money for not doing them!
Check out our Service Maintenance Schedule, which helps you keep track of regular maintenance. Download a handy print version (PDF), courtesy of Car Care Council.
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:: Winterize! ::
Winter's temperatures affect your vehicle's operation, while dirt and road-salt residue affect its physical condition. But there's good news: some simple check0s and maintenance practices will help keep your vehicle humming in top condition. Follow these tips:
Maintain optimally functioning windshield wipers | If your wiper blades are stiff or cracked or leave streaks or scratches, replace them. Do not use wipers to clear ice from windshield. Always turn wipers off before exiting your vehicle. Keep your washer reservoir filled with an antifreeze washer solution. To defog (dehumidify) the windshield, run the coolant system.
Mount winter tires on your vehicle | Thicker treads and “winter rubber” provide optimal traction on snowy and icy roads, thus ensuring greater safety to you and your passengers.
Maintain your battery | Colder temperatures thicken oil and reduce by roughly half your battery’s ability to “crank”-an unfortunate combination on a cold morning. Be on the alert for corrosion on battery cables or terminals. (Check your owner’s manual for your battery type and follow its winterizing tips.) Use the correct engine oil.
Use the correct engine oil | Per above, engine oil thickens under colder temperatures, and sometimes impedes your vehicle’s ability to “crank.” Use a multi-viscosity oil with a “W” (winter) viscosity index. As always, check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.)
Check your cooling system | Your engine’s rubber parts (radiator and heater hoses) often become contaminated, brittle, leaky-or they can fail-in cold temperatures. Check that they are pliable but firm on pressure. Flush your cooling system according to your manufacturer’s service interval manual.
Don't get locked out! | Lubricate your vehicle doors and trunk with silicon spray. Don’t have the spray can? Use regular antifreeze.
Wax; Don’t Wane | Protect your car’s finish by applying a fresh coat of wax—and make sure to wash your car regularly to diminish the corrosive effects of accumulated dirt and salt.
Warm-up your engine before driving | To prevent condensation build-up— water— from rusting your exhaust system, allow your car to “warm up” before you start driving A warmed engine naturally evaporates moisture in the system. Do not rev your engine!
- :: Adapted from Consumer Reports,
~ See also ~
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:: Hybrids, Grids & Renewable Energy : :
In an analysis of the potential impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles projected for 2020 and 2030 in 13 regions of the United States, researchers explored their potential effect on electricity demand, supply, infrastructure, prices and associated emission levels. Electricity requirements for hybrids used a projection of 25 percent market penetration of hybrid vehicles by 2020 including a mixture of sedans and sport utility vehicles. Several scenarios were run for each region for the years 2020 and 2030 and the times of 5 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., in addition to other variables. :: Read more:
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