Since October is AAA Car Care Month, it’s a good time to focus on proper vehicle maintenance. AAA Carolinas’ Approved Auto Repair facilities and AAA Car Care Centers are offering a free 26-point vehicle maintenance checkup this month to make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition.

Research shows consumers are confused about the type of maintenance their vehicles need. Advanced engine technology, hyped advertising messages, and changes in driving styles and distances can lead to unfamiliar territory for today’s drivers.

Twenty years ago, each vehicle was maintained in basically the same way on essentially the same schedule. Driving time was less severe because city traffic wasn’t as hectic, and there were few cars with computer components. But today’s motorists need to study their owner’s manuals and consult with repair providers to understand the specific maintenance needs of their vehicles.

“ More than half of us still take our vehicles in for 3,000-mile oil changes,” said Jim Grey, president of AAA Car Care Centers. “Depending on the vehicle you own and the type of driving you do, you may not need to change your oil so often.

“Study your owner’s manual. Those extra oil changes may not improve the life of your vehicle, and they’re costing you an extra $60 each year.”

Research
AAA’s research shows that most consumers overlook proper tire maintenance. Surveys show 20 percent of motorists have never rotated their tires, while the average consumer has their tires rotated every 9,000 miles. Most manufacturers recommend tire rotation every 6,500 miles.

“Tires are a critical safety element on your vehicle,” Grey said. “Proper tire maintenance helps ensure tires can safely grip the road and help your vehicle maneuver on wet surfaces. Without proper maintenance and rotation, tires wear more quickly. The price of regular tire rotation service is more economical than a new set of tires.”

AAA’s survey also showed that many people do not know how often to inspect their belts and hoses. And those who do, often don’t check them frequently enough. Yet, just a little attention to these vital components can ensure a vehicle is operating at its best.

Inexpensive
“ Belts and hoses are such inexpensive components to replace. However, failure to maintain these parts can add up to a major expense,” Grey said. “Today, most manufacturers recommend replacement of most of your hoses every five years or 50,000 miles. A blown hose can result in costly engine damage and the inconvenience of emergency repairs.”

AAA has several resources available to help members make sense of their vehicle maintenance needs. Two brochures - “How to Maintain Tires” and “How to Maintain Belts and Hoses” offer advice on how to care for these essential components.

Call your local AAA office for a free copy or call and make an appointment to visit a participating AAA Approved Auto Repair facility during October for your free 26-point maintenance checkup.