For more information about
“Be Car Care Aware” visit http://www.carcare.org
For more information about
vehicle maintenance visit
www.acdelco.com/service
The program is a consumer education campaign about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.
▪ What should I know about vehicle’s brake system?
▪ Timing belt replacement
▪ Emergency Road Kit
▪ How can I check the tire tread depth?
▪ How can I get most life out of my battery?
▪ What is cabin air filter & do I have to change it regularly?
▪ What should I know about washing and waxing my car?
• Check your vehicle gas cap. If your gas cap is damaged, loose or is missing some of the gas will vaporize.
• Check your tire pressure – If your tires aren't inflated properly it's like driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon.
• Incorrect wheel alignment will increase rolling resistance and as a result the gas consumption will increase.
• Check for worn spark plugs - A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plus causes misfiring, which wastes fuel.Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.
• Check if your car is due for oil and filter change. Dirty oil and oil filter can decrease your gas mileage.
• Check the air filter - An air filter that is clogged with dirt, dust and bugs chokes off the air and creates a "rich" mixture - too much gas being burned for the amount of air, which wastes gas and causes the engine to lose power. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
• A cooling system thermostat that causes the engine to run too cold can be another reason for decreasing the gas mileage.
• Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets.
• Avoid excessive idling - Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon.
• Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.
• Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended.
• Combining errands into one trip saves gas and time. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance.
• Avoid carrying unneeded heavy items in the truck. An extra 100 pounds can cut fuel efficiency by a percent or two.
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What should I know about my vehicle’s brake system?
When it comes to your car's safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring. However, many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a car's brakes may need maintenance or repair. The factors that affect wear are driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Symptoms of brake problems include the following:
• The car pulls to one side during braking;
• The brake pedal pulsates when the brakes are applied;
• The brake pedal feels “mushy;”
• There is a noise when stepping on the brake pedal; and
• There is a repeated need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder.
How often should I have my brakes checked?
• Wheels should be pulled and brakes checked once a year. An inspection typically includes the rotors, calipers, drums, pads, pistons and brake lines.
• Brake systems should be flushed and brake fluid replaced every two years.
• Brakes should most likely be replaced every 20,000 - 30,000 miles.
• Brakes fluid should be replaced every two years or 24,000 miles.
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What is a timing belt?
The timing belt is a flat, toothed rubber belt that synchronizes engine’s valve and piston movement. It is inside your engine, so you cannot see it when you open the hood. Like any auto part, timing belts eventually wear out. They need to be replaced before they brake. Timing belts may fail sooner or last longer depending on a variety of factors, including typical driving conditions, average temperature, humidity, etc.
Does my vehicle have a timing belt?
Call us and we will check if your vehicle has a timing chain or timing belt and what is the automaker’s recommended replacement mileage. You can also check your owner’s manual. If the automaker doesn’t recommend a replacement interval, we recommend replacing the timing belt at least every 60,000 miles.
What if the timing belt breaks?
In the best case - your car will stop running, you will need a tow and have your timing belt replaced. In worst case - you may need a new engine. If you vehicle has an “interference” engine, a broken timing belt can disrupt your engine’s timing, causing a moving piston to strike an open valve, damaging cylinders, heads, pistons or valves. Avoid expensive repairs and have your timing belt replaced before it brakes.
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Your vehicle needs to be equipped with some basic survival items and tools. Here are some suggestions for your Emergency Road Kit , but you can customize the list according to your needs.
• Jumper cables
• Cellular phone, charger power cord, along with a list of emergency numbers
• Ice scraper and snow brush (winter months)
• Flashlight or spotlight with extra set of batteries
• Rain suit or poncho (brightly-colored)
• Safety goggles or glasses
• Pair of disposable work “coveralls”
• Emergency flares, warning triangle or cones
• Fire extinguisher
• First-aid kit
• Hose-patch kit for emergency mending of coolant hoses. These kits are usually available at auto parts and discount stores.
• Pressurized can of tire inflator and sealer for emergency filling of a flat tire.
• Battery-powered air compressor
• Bottled water and snacks, such as crackers or energy bars (in sub-freezing temperatures, remember that bottles may burst if they freeze).
• Blankets
• Roll of duct tape
• Wheel chocks (placed under the wheels to prevent the car from rolling)
• Basic tool set including an adjustable wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches. Many auto parts and retail establishments sell compact “tool kits”, perfect for storage in the trunk of your car.
• Mini shovel (winter months)
• Bag or container of sand for traction (winter months)
• An extra pair of gloves, a scarf and hat
• Extra windshield washer fluid that can be used in cold weather driving.
• Funnel for pouring liquids
• Extra fuses (refer to your owner’s manual to determine amperage sizes needed)
• Mechanical or elastic tie-down straps
• Roll of heavy-duty paper towels or rags
• Pair of work gloves
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How can I check the tire tread depth?
The simplest way to check tire tread depth is with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs replacement.
Why checking the tire tread?
Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads.
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How can I get most life out of my battery?
• Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
• If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
• Always replace a battery with one that's rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
• Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
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What is cabin air filter and do I have to change it regularly?
If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. The cabin air filter protects against contaminants (pollen, dust, mold spores and smog), which can easily get into your car through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems. It is recommended to replace the vehicle's cabin air filter annually. A clean cabin air filter can be especially beneficial to people who suffer from allergies.
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What should I know about washing and waxing my car? Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:
• Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
• Do spray the car often with water.
• Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
• Don't neglect waxing the vehicle.
• Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
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