By Jim Grey
While technology has extended the life of our automobiles, motorists shouldn’t let it replace regular check-ups - even in the spring.

AAA diagnostic tests show that of more than 57,000 cars checked, 43% had worn, improperly inflated, uneven or bald tires.

Almost 30% of the vehicles were low in oil or needed the oil changed. Also, drive belts were loose, worn, cracked or frayed in 29% of the cars checked.
Here are some maintenance tips that will help avoid costly repairs later.

TIRES

• Check tires for proper inflation. Tire pressure can increase or decrease for every ten degrees of temperature change. Under-inflated or worn tires can cause hydro-planing on wet surfaces, will shorten tire life and decrease gas mileage. Severely worn tires should be replaced immediately. When the tread is worn to 1/16th of an inch (about the distance between the edge of a penny and President Lincoln’s head), or when solid bars appear on the tire going counter to the tread, it is time to replace.
• Look for uneven wear patterns. Wear can be signs of poor inflation, misalignment, balance or suspension problems. Replace uneven worn tires but also have the problem that caused them found and corrected.

FLUIDS

• Check your cooling system to make sure there is anti-freeze in it. Anti freeze is used to keep the operating temperature of the engine at the proper level and should be changed at least every two years (or very five years with extended life antifreeze). The entire system, including the thermostat, should be checked for leaks. Extra care now will prevent overheating and breakdowns later.
• Check engine oil, transmission fluid and oil and air filters regularly. Change as suggested in the owner’s manual. Every 3,000 miles is a good guideline. You can do it yourself or a quick lube type shop can do it in very little time. (Some shops offer discounts to AAA Carolinas members.)
• Spring can bring messy driving, bugs and mud. Don’t forget to unclog nozzles, check and refill the window washer reservoirs, front and rear. Wipers should be changed regularly.

MORE TIPS

• Check to make sure battery is in good working order. Check for corrosion. A corroded battery equals poor connection, which results in less power to the car.
• Check shocks. Worn shocks are not only uncomfortable, but unsafe. They make your car more difficult to handle. Check the shocks by pushing down on each corner of the car after it has been driven and is “warm”. If it returns to a stable position after one bounce, the shocks are working properly.
• Check your steering wheel. If there is more than two inches of play (you move the steering wheel and the wheels do not respond) the steering system is beginning to wear. If there is wear, adjustments should be made at a repair shop that does front end work.
• Don’t take chances with brakes. Check them once a year, or if anything sounds or “feels” odd, have the system checked immediately.
• Change the oil to a summer weight or summer grade: draining and flushing the radiator, adding rust inhibitor and water-pump lubricant if the anti freeze is not replaced.

The key to good automobile health is regular maintenance. With periodic check ups, you can take good care of your car so it can take good care of you.