#maintnance

It’s never too early to learn the ABCs of car care, says the Car Care Council.

A – Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.

B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.

C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

“Most young people can’t wait to drive, but their car care education should begin well before their parents hand over the keys,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Understanding the basics of car care before taking the wheel will help keep new drivers safer on the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends that new drivers keep a free copy of its popular Car Care Guide in the glove box and learn about 10 car care inspection procedures that are an important part of any preventative vehicle maintenance plan:

Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

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 lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

As gas prices continue to drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little now to increase fuel efficiency, drivers can multiply fuel savings and save more money at the pump, says the Car Care Council.

The national average of the cost of a gallon of gas has been above $3 since 2010 but is expected to dip below that mark this year, according to a recent forecast by energy information service GasBuddy.com.

“Gas prices are expected to fall below $3 per gallon on average, and that means motorists can count on significant savings at the pump,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A small investment in simple and inexpensive auto care will add up to better fuel economy and even more savings.”

The non-profit Car Care Council encourages motorists to be car care aware and perform simple steps to improve fuel efficiency and save money.

Engine Performance: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.

Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.

Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.

Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.

Gas Cap: Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.

Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

In addition to vehicle maintenance, modifying driving habits, such as observing the speed limit and avoiding quick stops and starts, can also increase fuel efficiency. Consolidating trips, avoiding excessive idling and removing unnecessary items from the trunk are also easy ways to lower fuel consumption.

When your kitchen cabinets were first installed, their pristine appearance gave the space a clean, sharp look. However, over time, the wear and tear of everyday use can take its toll on your cabinetry. To make sure your cabinets last you a lifetime, make sure you perform routine maintenance. Here are a few things you should do to ensure your cupboards stay in good condition:

Ensure ventilation Grease can do a number on your cabinetry. If you frequently cook oily meals and your vents blast that air onto your cupboards, you'll soon find a coating of grease over the doors. To reduce the amount of gunk buildup, check to make sure your vent or hood filter is clean and doesn't need to be replaced. If the filter is dirty, thoroughly clean it off before replacing it. 

If you don't have a hood range or even a vent to disperse some of the grease, try taking steps to cut down on the amount you send into the air. For instance, a grease splatter guard will help avoid spraying nearby cabinets with oil while you're cooking, and eating healthier meals will reduce the amount of grime that ends up in your kitchen.

Clean spills immediately Leaving spills and splatters to dry is an all too common mistake many people make. It's important to wipe up drips right away so these don't soak into the cupboards leaving stains and sticky residue. This will also help reduce the chance of your cabinets absorbing substances that could deteriorate their appearance.

Use gentle cleaning tools Make sure you regularly wipe down your cupboards. This will minimize the amount of grease and grime buildup on the surface of your cupboards. However, it's important not to use harsh or abrasive cleaning materials. You don't want to accidentally remove the finish on your cabinetry. Instead, simply use warm, soapy water and a soft washcloth to wipe down the outside of your cupboards.

If you have some stubborn grease caked to the outside of the cabinets, make sure you find a cleaning product that is safe for use in the kitchen.