| Buying a new car today can be really expensive. | | | | 7) Switching to synthetic oil will offer superior |
| Therefore, getting the most out of the car you already | | | | protection for your car. Although it is more expensive it |
| have may be your best option. Here are some of the | | | | offers longer protection for your car some up to |
| simple tips to help make that possible. | | | | 12,000 miles. |
| 1) Check the manual to find out what type of gasoline | | | | 8) Do not use oil additives. They don't reduce the wear |
| is recommended then stick with that type of fuel. Filling | | | | on your engine and they don't boost performance. |
| your car with regular gas when it calls for premium it | | | | 9) Change your brake fluid every two years or 24,000 |
| can cause your engine to start knocking and this will | | | | miles. If you have anti-lock brake system you should |
| destroy the engine. Filling your car with premium | | | | change it once a year. |
| gasoline when it calls for regular grade you not only | | | | 10) Power steeling fluid should be changed every three |
| waste gas and money but it can cause problems as | | | | years or 30,000 miles whichever comes first. |
| well. | | | | 11) Keep an eye on the anti-freeze. It keeps your car |
| 2) Don't let your gas drop below a quarter-tank if the | | | | running strong especially in cold weather. It also |
| car has a fuel injection system. When turning corners | | | | prevents rust and corrosion. For the best results use |
| you can interrupt the flow of fuel causing pump | | | | 50-50 anti-freeze-water mix using distill water not tap |
| problems. | | | | water. Change it every two years or 24,000 miles. |
| 3) Replace your fuel filter every 10,000 mile or two | | | | 12) Replacing the battery six months before it is due to |
| year which ever comes later. Keeping the fuel clean | | | | expire. A weak battery will cause alternator and |
| helps to maintain long engine life. | | | | starter problems. |
| 4) Take it easy and drive smoothly. Flooring the gas to | | | | 13) Replace timing belts every 60,000 miles. |
| leap ahead and slamming on the breaks to a | | | | 14) Turning your air conditioner, your heater and |
| screeching halt will put wear and tear on the engine, | | | | defroster on and running them for a few minutes |
| transmission, suspension and brakes. | | | | every two weeks to keep them clog-free. |
| 5) Let your car warm up before taking off and | | | | 15) Protection for your car during extreme weather to |
| especially before turning on the air conditioner and heat | | | | prevent weather damage. Using a windshield cover to |
| or you will cause unnecessary engine wear. | | | | help protect the dashboard and prevent weather |
| 6) Remember to keep the oil changed. Changing your | | | | damage. Use silicone spray a couple times a year to |
| oil every 3,000 miles or three months whichever | | | | help protect the weather stripping and rubber surfaces. |
| comes first. | | | | |