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Tips to Keep Your Vehicle in Shape Throughout 2007

(ATLANTA) January 29, 2007 - The start of a new year is a great time to begin getting serious about the maintenance of your automobile. Automobile maintenance is something that most of us ignore until our vehicle breaks down and then, it's often too late for a simple fix. According to Kit Johnson, 2007 NAPA Technician of the Year from East Helena, Montana, maintaining your vehicle regularly throughout the year will only enhance and prolong your vehicle's longevity, performance and reliability. By scheduling the following basic maintenance services on a regular basis, you can be assured that your vehicle should run the distance in 2007.

• Regularly change your vehicle's oil

  Oil is your vehicle's lifeblood. To maintain peak performance, Johnson recommends scheduling oil changes every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. This will ensure that your vehicle will continue to run smoothly and will prevent the formation of sludge, which can cause excessive oil consumption, decreased engine life and decreased fuel economy.

• Rotate and align your vehicle's tires

  Johnson suggests having your vehicle's tires rotated every 6,000 miles by a certified technician and performing a wheel alignment at least every two years to ensure maximum tire life and uncompromised steering and suspension performance. "It's a good idea to regularly inspect your tires, checking for cuts, bulges and excessive tread wear," says Johnson. "Uneven tire wear is an indication that the tires are misaligned or are unbalanced." Tire pressure should also be checked every three months during the normal maintenance service.

• Maintain braking system

  For routine maintenance, the vehicle's braking system should be checked at least once a year by a technician certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The technician will inspect brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, and brake and warning lights.

• Schedule a transmission flush

  Scheduling regular transmission flushes keeps the transmission fluid new and vastly decreases the chance of expensive transmission repairs. Most Original Equipment Manufacturers recommend flushing transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, even on new vehicles. This process, usually done with the aid of cleansing chemicals and additives, extends the life of the transmission and keeps your vehicle performing like new.

• Check battery cables and posts

  Corroded battery cables and posts can result in battery failure, which can cause your vehicle to break down and leave you stranded. If you notice that corrosion is building up around your car's battery, Johnson suggests cleaning the cables and posts with a paste of baking soda and warm water. This will also prolong the life of your vehicle's battery.

• Check and maintain fluids

  Johnson recommends checking all fluids regularly, including brake, power steering, transmission and engine coolant (anti-freeze). "Maintaining proper fluid levels is an easy and inexpensive way to potentially stop a bigger problem from occurring." says Johnson.

• Replace windshield wiper blades

  Windshield wiper blades that are cracked or torn can greatly reduce your visibility when driving in rain and snow. It's a good idea to regularly examine and replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.

"In the long run, ignoring basic vehicle maintenance only increases your chances of paying for costly repairs," warns Johnson. He also recommends taking your vehicle to your NAPA AutoCare Center Technician for scheduled maintenance. NAPA AutoCare Centers offer a preventive maintenance program that includes a complete inspection and regular monitoring of vehicle systems. Consumers can learn more about this program by contacting their local NAPA AutoCare Center.

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