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Car and Driver Care
Tips -part 2
part 1
Despite Technology, Drivers Need to be Smart About Maintaining Their
Vehicles10. Flush brake fluid - The fluid in your car's brakes attracts and
absorbs moisture, which can lead to corrosion of your braking system.
Anti-lock systems are particularly sensitive to corrosion. It is good
practice to have your brake fluid flushed and changed every couple of
years.
11. Tune it - Get a full engine tune up according to your owner's
manual.
12. Check coolant color - Check the color of your coolant. Discoloration
means the inhibitor in your coolant is depleted and your engine and
radiator are being corroded.
13. Unblock hoses - An overheated engine may be the result of a blocked
or pinched hose. Inspect them at every oil change.
14. See clearly - Check your windshield wipers for cracks and tears and
get them replaced annually.
15. Clean air filters - Check your air filter system every other oil
change to ensure there are no leaks or damage.
16. Inspect belts - Get it done with your oil change, because damaged
belts can cause poor engine performance or failure.
17. Realign suspension - A suspension that is not aligned properly can
wear out new tires after only a few thousand miles.
18. Look at lights - Make sure your lights are clean and working, and
keep some spare bulbs and fuses in the glove compartment.
19. Maintain power steering - Check the fluid once a month and, if it's
low, look for leaks in hoses.
20. Fix the brakes - Don't postpone needed brake work, it's dangerous
and can end up costing more to overhaul the entire brake system.
21. Fix a flat - Always carry a tire repair kit with you to temporarily
seal a flat tire so you can get to the closest repair facility.
22. Test shock absorbers - Check for working shocks by bouncing the
vehicle up and down and stepping away. If the vehicle doesn't stop
bouncing your shocks could be worn or you may have a leak.
23. Lighten the load - Store only necessary items in the trunk to save
on fuel.
24. Replace oil filter - Get it done every time you change your oil.
25. Wax it - Giving your vehicle a good wax job on a regular basis can
protect your car's paint from pollution and rust.
26. Check spark plugs - Worn spark plugs waste fuel and increase exhaust
emissions, so get them checked and replace them when needed.
27. Keep cool - Check your car's air conditioning system every spring.
28. Monitor the catalytic converter - If you hear a whistling sound or
smell rotten eggs upon shutdown, your exhaust catalyst may be plugged.
Driving with a plugged catalyst will hurt fuel economy, cause excessive
oil consumption and harm the engine.
29. Check your transmission fluid - Check your transmission fluid
monthly, following instructions in your owner's manual. Top-up as
required.
30. Maintain the speed limit - Your life and the lives of others on the
road are worth it.
ExxonMobil and Mobil 1 are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one
of its subsidiaries.
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Produced for ExxonMobil
CONTACT:
Raymee Holshouser, Weber Shandwick
314-552-6721
ExxonMobil Media Line,
703-846-4467
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