More than 80 percent of the vehicles that have been inspected at community car care events across the country over the past year were in need of service or parts, reports the Car Care Council. This reinforces the need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care and maintenance, especially as the number of years owners keep their vehicles continues to increase.
Top problem areas typically found include the need for oil changes, windshield wipers, air filters, and improperly inflated or worn tires.
Forgotten Wipers
Wipers appear to be one of those items that drivers forget about when they are not in use. However, once the rain starts to fall, the need to replace worn wipers becomes evident rather quickly, and good visibility has a major impact on driver safety.
The replacement interval of wipers is based on several factors, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades, yet wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in sun-soaked desert states), frequency of use, and the material and type of wipers.
Wiper blades should be inspected every six months. Streaking or chattering blades as well as worn or split rubber are signs that it's time to replace the wiper blades.
ACDelco wiper products feature:
· Beam wiper blades -- the latest in wiper technology
· Performance blades that feature pre-installed adapters that match a vehicle's arm type for quick installation
· Aerodynamic designs that help prevent windlift
· Broad range of sizes and types of blades, including low profile and hard-to-find applications
· Materials and finishes (polymer or carbon steel) that are designed to resist rusting, chipping and bending
· Coatings on rubber parts that help reduce streaking, friction and noise
· Virtually all-makes and all-models coverage
Maintenance Recommendations
To help ensure the reliability and safety of a vehicle, as well as to extend vehicle life, the Car Care Council suggests these preventive maintenance steps -- many of which are put off or overlooked by drivers -- be recommended to service customers. Checking these items is especially timely after a harsh winter's worth of driving:
· Change the oil and filter regularly according to the owner's manual maintenance schedule.
· Inspect the tires for proper wear and check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare.
· Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions can take their toll on a vehicle's steering and suspension.
· Check the hoses and belts -- which are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system -- for cracks, brittleness or other signs of excessive wear.
· Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the vehicle.
All of these components are often neglected wear items that are needed for safe and reliable vehicle performance.
- Thanks to Chris Vermette
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