Carcare.org Blog: Four Steps for Sending Your Car Away to College

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Four Steps for Sending Your Car Away to College

Seeing your child off to college is an emotional transition, especially if they are going far away from home. Sending them away in the family vehicle can create even more worry and stress. A little advance planning and a well-maintained vehicle can offer peace-of-mind to parents, says the non-profit Car Care Council

  1. Get a sendoff vehicle inspection: College is a busy time for students and it is likely that car care at college will not be top of mind. Be sure to schedule a thorough vehicle inspection before packing up the car so you can rest easy knowing your child is driving a road-ready vehicle.
  2. Make an emergency plan: Discuss a plan with your child in case they experience a roadside emergency. Be sure they know who to contact for roadside assistance and stock the car with an emergency kit, including jumper cables, emergency flares, a flashlight with batteries, blankets and extra clothes, water and non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, a portable USB charger and a fully charged cell phone. To be prepared for inclement weather, include an ice scraper, a snow brush and small shovel.
  3. Hit the books: Encourage your child to learn about auto care by reviewing the Car Care Council’s online Car Care Guide and becoming familiar with the owner’s manual. The printed Car Care Guide fits easily in a glove compartment and covers the most common preventive maintenance occasions and procedures that should be performed to keep cars safe, dependable and efficient.
  4. Stay on schedule: To stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance, sign up for the council’s free Custom Service Schedule and receive email service reminders and recall notices so that you and your child are aware of any issues and can address them in a timely fashion.

The Car Care Council has introduced a new video, produced in conjunction with AutoNetTV (ANTV), with tips for parents, college-bound students and their vehicles. To learn more about keeping your vehicle in safe, dependable working condition, visit www.carcare.org or follow the Car Care Council on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.




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Carcare.org Blog: Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced Periodically

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Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced Periodically

That little engine part called the spark plug performs a huge job in delivering a vehicle’s power, performance, dependability and fuel efficiency and, according to the non-profit Car Care Council, should be replaced periodically.

“Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four-cylinder engine,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many car owners delay spark plug repair on their vehicles, even after they have failed. This is a mistake since fouled, damaged or worn out spark plugs can lead to engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency and poor performance like misfiring, hard starting and sluggish acceleration.”

If you spot any of the following symptoms, the Car Care Council recommends having your vehicle checked to prevent more costly problems from developing.

  • Rattling, pinging or knocking noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. Pistons travel at high velocities; if the spark plug fires at the wrong time, this could lead to constant rattling, pinging or knocking sounds.
  • Hard vehicle start. If your car is having trouble starting or just feels disjointed and jerky, your spark plugs may not be working right. This can lead to misfires and erratic performance.
  • Reduced performance. Spark plugs fire when you accelerate and change gears. If the spark that the plug generates isn’t functioning at 100 percent, your vehicle performance will be poor, and you’ll experience a sluggish and fuel-wasting drive.
  • Poor fuel economy. Lots of things can lead to poor fuel economy. In the case of old spark plugs, fuel is wasted because your vehicle fails to receive the proper, heat-generating spark at the right time.

The Car Care Council recommends that consumers consult their owner’s manual for the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended spark plug replacement intervals. The council also recommends replacing all of the plugs at the same time and with the same type of spark plug that the vehicle was originally equipped.

“Replacing spark plugs is a relatively inexpensive maintenance task and can be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or by a professional technician at any auto repair shop,” said White.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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Carcare.org Blog: Small Windshield Chip Can Cause Big Problems

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Small Windshield Chip Can Cause Big Problems

 

If your vehicle’s windshield has a small chip or crack, don’t ignore it, fix it. According to the non-profit Car Care Council, disregarding a small crack now could lead to bigger problems later.

“Windshield damage may happen unexpectedly, and should be fixed as soon as possible,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A neglected small chip or crack can turn into a larger one, requiring more costly windshield replacement. In addition, drivers could get ticketed and fined if the crack obstructs vision.”

When a vehicle owner notices a problem with their windshield, they should not wait to get it fixed. A small chip or crack can grow larger, and if another item like a rock, golf ball or baseball hits the windshield, the damage can expand quickly, compromising safety and requiring full windshield replacement.

“Repairing a small chip or crack is inexpensive, easy and quick to fix, and the vehicle owner’s insurance may even pay for the repair,” said White. “Ignoring a windshield issue is like neglecting teeth cleaning and ending up with cavities or gum disease. With simple maintenance, you can avoid a much bigger, more expensive issue.”

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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Carcare.org Blog: Car Care Council Supports National Tire Safety Week

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Car Care Council Supports National Tire Safety Week

Maintaining a vehicle’s tires is essential to maximize tire life and ensure safety on the road. There is no better time to start than National Tire Safety Week in May to start checking tire pressure and condition regularly, says the Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council supports National Tire Safety Week held May 20-27 and conducted by the United States Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). With its “Know Your Roll” theme, USTMA urges motorists, including first-time drivers, to “know their roll” and check their tires in advance of the busy summer driving season.

“We encourage motorists to check their vehicle’s tire pressure, alignment and tread before they hit the road this summer. National Tire Safety Week is the ideal time to ‘be car care aware’ and ‘know your roll,’” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Tires affect a vehicle’s ride, handling, traction and safety. Checking tire pressure often and having your tires rotated and balanced regularly are an important way to keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely.”

It only takes a few minutes to check tire condition and stay safer on the road. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends a quick four-step tire check to help avoid the aggravation of changing a flat tire on the side of the road.

  • Check that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to recommended pressure levels.
  • Check tire tread depth with a simple penny test – if you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, then it is time for new tires.
  • Check for irregular wear as uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment.
  • Check tires for cuts, bruises, bulges, bald spots or other irregularities that can lead to a flat tire.

For more information on tire safety and maintenance, visit www.ustires.org/safety.  For service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and other helpful auto care information, view the Car Care Council’s free digital Car Care Guide at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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Carcare.org Blog: Invest a Portion of Tax Refund in Auto Care

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With the average tax refund expected to be nearly $3,000, you might be thinking about splurging on something special. However, being practical with some of your refund might be a better choice. A new video from the Car Care Council explains how spending a portion of your tax refund on preventative vehicle maintenance can pay long-term dividends.

“Car owners can actually save more money in auto repairs in the long run by routinely spending small amounts on preventative maintenance, including a thorough annual vehicle inspection,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual is like insurance. By spending a small amount on auto care more regularly, you protect yourself from larger expenses later on.”

With proper care, the typical vehicle should deliver at least 200,000 miles of safe, dependable performance. The most common routine maintenance procedures and repairs include checking the oil, filters and fluids, belts and hoses, brakes, tires and the HVAC system. The non-profit Car Care Council also recommends an annual tune-up and wheel alignment.

“Routine car care will also help keep your vehicle running dependably and improve its fuel economy, so you can avoid unexpected car trouble and save more money at the pump,” concluded White.

Produced in conjunction with AutoNetTV Media (ANTV), the Car Care Council’s new video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ZJUWahuxsSM and is also available in the ANTV digital management system for use by repair shops to share with their customers.

To help you get the most out of your vehicle investment and protect its long-term value, visit the Car Care Council’s website at www.carcare.org and sign up for the free custom service schedule.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

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Carcare.org Blog: Consumers Pick Top Vocalist for Road Trip Prep Listening

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Cars and music have always gone together so it only makes sense that when you are preparing your vehicle for a road trip, you would listen to some tunes. According to a nationwide survey of more than 25,000 vehicle owners conducted on behalf of the non-profit Car Care Council, Bruce Springsteen and Keith Urban were the preferred choice to listen to when getting ready to hit the road.

“With April being National Car Care Month, we thought it would be a fun idea to find out which musicians car owners like to listen to when getting ready for a road trip,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It was no surprise that Bruce Springsteen, the guy who wrote ‘Cadillac Ranch’ and ‘Pink Cadillac,’ would be the top choice. However, as with cars, people like a wide variety of music, as evidenced by Keith Urban finishing second and Bruno Mars third in our survey.”

The survey, conducted by IMR Inc., an automotive market research company, polled more than 25,000 consumers ages 18-65 throughout the country, who were asked to choose which recording artist they would want to listen to while preparing their vehicle for a road trip. The final results were as follows:

Bruce Springsteen 24.0%
Keith Urban 16.4%
Bruno Mars 16.1%
Jimmy Buffett 15.7%
Lady Gaga 11.5%
Taylor Swift 8.6%
Beyonce 7.7%

“We want to thank IMR Inc. for asking this question as part of its quarterly consumer auto maintenance study,” said White. “We are always looking for fun ways to help draw attention to National Car Care Month and the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.”

Bill Thompson, president of IMR, commented, “We have a great relationship with the Car Care Council so we are always willing to help them promote National Car Care Month. Based on the number of responses, we know people are very passionate about their music and their cars.”

“A simple driveway inspection of your vehicle while listening to your favorite music can help prevent the inconvenience of a roadside breakdown or in the words of another Springsteen song, ‘A Wreck on the Highway,’” said White. “In just 10 minutes, drivers can make sure their car is ready for travel and then take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out on the road.”

Before beginning a trip, the Car Care Council recommends that vehicle owners:

  • Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
  • Check the hoses and beltsthat can become cracked, brittle, frayed and loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
  • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
  • Check the wipers and lightingso that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

The Car Care Council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit and consider a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy. To further save on fuel costs during the trip, the council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

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Carcare.org Blog: Hit a Pothole? Look for These Warning Signs

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Hit a Pothole? Look for These Warning Signs

Hitting a pothole with your car can do a real number on tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment. The non-profit Car Care Council urges motorists to watch for three warning signs to help determine if hitting a pothole has damaged their vehicle.

  1. Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine a vehicle’s ride and handling.
  2. Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear, are symptoms of an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling.
  3. Low tire pressure, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the wheel rim will be visible and should be checked out as soon as possible, as tires are the critical connection between the vehicle and the road.

“If you’ve hit a pothole, it can be difficult to know if and to what extent your car has been damaged,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s a good idea to describe the symptoms to a professional technician who can then check out the vehicle and make the necessary repairs to ensure safety and reliability.”

Potholes occur when water permeates the pavement – usually through a crack – and softens the soil beneath it, creating a depression in the surface of the street. Many potholes appear during winter and spring months because of freeze-thaw cycles, which accelerate the process. Potholes can also be prevalent in areas with excessive rainfall and flooding.

To learn more, view the “Dangers of Potholes” video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7cwIAjPAi0. Produced in conjunction with AutoNetTV, this Car Care Council video explains the perils of potholes and how they can adversely affect a vehicle’s handling and performance.


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Carcare.org Blog: Tips for Sub-Zero Driving – Be Car Care Aware

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Tips for Sub-Zero Driving

When it comes to winter car care, many motorists think of antifreeze and batteries, but vehicles need extra attention in winter, especially when temperatures drop below zero, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Sub-zero temperatures can have a real impact on your vehicle,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling, and very cold temperatures reduce battery power. If you haven’t had your vehicle checked recently, a thorough vehicle inspection is a good idea so you can avoid the aggravation and unexpected cost of a breakdown in freezing weather.”

The Car Care Council offers six quick tips to help your vehicle perform at its best during cold weather months.

  • Keep the gas tank at least half full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
  • Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
  • Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
  • Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing so that the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.
  • Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in sub-zero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.
  • Consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions.

Drivers should stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

About the Car Care Council

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.


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Carcare.org Blog: No Need to ‘Warm Up’ Modern Vehicles in Cold Weather

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It is that time of the year when many motorists wonder if they need to let their vehicle “warm up” or idle before driving. In fact, today’s modern cars are ready to drive in cold temperatures without excessive idling, says the Car Care Council.

The idea of idling before driving dates back to when cars were built with carburetors. With new fuel-injection technology, complex computer systems and thinner synthetic oils, drivers don’t need to warm up their cars before hitting the road.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it has several negative effects, such as increasing air pollution unnecessarily, wasting fuel and money, and causing excessive wear or even damaging a car’s engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs and the exhaust system. Contrary to popular belief, idling isn’t an effective way to warm up most car engines.”

“Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In most cases, idling longer than 30 seconds is unnecessary, even on the coldest days. The best way to warm up your car’s engine is to drive gently at the start. Remember, a vehicle gets zero miles per gallon when idling and the result is lower fuel economy and wasted money.”

The non-profit Car Care Council has a free 80-page Car Care Guide for motorists that features several pages of fuel economy and environmental awareness tips. Available in English and Spanish, the popular guide uses easy-to-understand everyday language rather than technical automotive jargon, fits easily in a glove box and can be ordered free of charge by visiting www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

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