As National Car Care Month begins, people storing cars and other vehicles in self storage may want to take time to take cars out and do a routine maintenance check. April is a good time to do so, because many auto repair shops and parts stores around the country will be offering special discounts in honor of National Car Care Month. Throughout the month of April, the Car Care Council will be posting community events, such as vehicle checkups, on Facebook. At these events, technicians will check many of the most commonly overlooked car components. Nationwide, auto repair shops, auto parts stores, vocational schools offering courses in auto mechanics, and other organizations are participating in the CCC’s annual educational campaign to encourage car owners to take good care of their vehicles.
When a car is being kept in storage, and is not being driven regularly, it is especially important to take it out occasionally for maintenance. Cars that sit for a long time without being driven can slowly deteriorate, as sludge and acids may form in the engine oil, mildew may start to grow in the interior, and spark plugs may start to rust. Some of this deterioration can be prevented. Sludge and acids are less likely to form in engine oil if car owners change a car’s oil and filter right before storing it. Spark plugs are less likely to rust if owners take the spark plugs out, fill the cylinders with oil, and then replace spark plugs before storing the car. It is also a good idea to seal the engine openings with absorbent cotton to protect the engine from moisture while it is in storage, and to use a trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged. All the car’s fluids, including the transmission and rear axle fluid, should be topped before a car is placed back in storage.
During last year’s National Car Care Month campaign, 27 percent of vehicles checked at community events needed their oil changed because it was low, overfull, or dirty. About 26 percent needed their coolant changed for similar reasons. Nearly 40 percent had front windshield wipers that were not working properly, 51 percent had belts that were not in good working order, and 10 percent of vehicles needed at least one new hose. Fifteen percent of vehicles needed their tires properly inflated, and nine percent needed the tires replaced. Because many vehicle owners during the recession are choosing to keep their vehicles longer in order to avoid spending money on a new car, it is becoming even more important to do preventive maintenance regularly.
Since Earth Day, April 22, is also approaching, the Environmental Protection Agency has assembled a list of tips to help motorists take better care of their cars while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions:
· Drive less by combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation, and biking or walking whenever possible.
· Follow the maintenance schedule that is recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Doing so will extend the vehicle’s life, increase its resale value and increase gas mileage.
· Check the following items on a regular basis: air filter, vacuum and coolant hoses, oil, oil filter, fuses, fluids such as windshield washer fluid, and belts.
· Keep tires properly inflated to minimize wear and tear and to improve gas mileage.
· After re
fueling, make sure to tighten your car’s fuel cap until it clicks, to prevent the “check engine” light from turning on.
· Have your car checked periodically by an expert who understands emissions control systems.
· Try to avoid idling your engine for more than 30 seconds, and plan your schedule to avoid stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic, if possible.
· Accelerate and decelerate gradually, rather than suddenly and sharply.
· Open your windows when possible instead of running air conditioning.
Sources used:
Car Care Council. “Be Car Care Aware.”
“Car Care Council to post local National Car Care Month events on Facebook.” Tire Business. March 18, 2010.
“Georgia’s Clean Air Force encourages motorists to drive smart during National Car Care Month.” The Weekly. March 11, 2010.
La Brie, John. “Vehicle storage tips: tips for keeping a non-driven car in good shape.” Automedia.com.
NASCAR. “National Car Care Month takes preventive measures.”