Not only does it extend the life of the car, but it helps the environment.
The Car Care Council has declared April National Car Care Month. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is funded and directed by the Auto Care Association. Its purpose is to educate consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance, and repair. The Care Care Council draws knowledge from all sectors of the automotive industry.
Why should Colorado drivers pay attention to this? The Car Care Council notes that consumers are increasingly unaware of the dangers and problems that can occur when they don’t adhere to a regular vehicle maintenance schedule. The best part is that the council’s expert advice is all at the tip of your fingers.
Vehicle Maintenance Schedules
Bankrate, a 40-year-old financial publishing company, notes that poorly maintained vehicles cause thousands of auto accidents each year. In addition, not doing regular maintenance on your car can cost you much more in repairs than the maintenance would have cost. To prove the point, Bankrate points out the costs of some top annual maintenance jobs — and the cost of not doing them.
For example, regular oil changes cost about $120 a year, but engine replacement due to skipping oil changes can cost $4,000. And replacing your timing belt may seem a bit pricey at $600, but that’s much less than the $2,500 you may spend to repair your car’s engine if you don’t replace it.
Putting off maintenance may save you time and money today, but down the road, you may be paying for it big-time.
Top 6 ‘Car Killers’ Colorado Drivers Should Avoid
The Car Care Council offers free advice on how to keep your vehicle running smoothly and even offers DIY instructions on how to handle some basic repairs. It also notes the top six “car killers,” common mistakes motorists make that can lead to serious engine trouble and expensive repairs. They are:
- Ignoring the check-engine light.
- Failing to change vehicle fluids and filters.
- Neglecting your tires: Underinflated tires or worn treads negatively impact gas mileage and performance, and can even lead to an accident.
- Believe it or not, going too long between car washes increases the potential for rust. This is especially important in Colorado, where road salt is used during the winter months.
- Not following your vehicle’s service schedule: Routine inspections will help avoid costly repairs.
- Extreme driving: A lot of stop-and-go or driving on rough roads can lead to vehicle problems.
Taking Care of Your Car and the Environment
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), taking care of your vehicle also helps us take care of the environment. For instance, properly inflated tires will cut down on fuel costs because you will get better gas mileage. Following a strict oil change schedule will contribute to a cleaner engine and lower vehicle emissions. Keeping air filters clean will also help the environment.
So, vehicle maintenance is not only an effective way of keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently, but it also helps keep the air clean, which is something we should all be striving to do.