Millennium Custom Auto

Millions of Americans will hit the roads during the warm weather months. Whether they’re in the car on business or vacation, many drivers will likely share two major concerns: how they can reduce the impact their motoring has on the environment and on their wallets.

“Gas consumption – and prices – historically rise with the temperature as more people drive for work or pleasure during the warmer months,” says Sue Pinera, environmental programs director of the Hertz Corp., leaders in the rental car industry.“But you can definitely drive green and save yourself some money without having to trade in your reliable, reasonably priced family vehicle for a new one that features the latest eco-friendly technology.”

Summer vacations often mean extra driving, either to your destination in your own vehicle or, if you fly, in a rental car once you’re there. “Of all summer driving, vacation driving can be the most costly and least green,” Pinera points out. “Whether it’s spending time stuck in traffic or driving in circles looking for an attraction site in an unfamiliar location, there are plenty of opportunities to waste gas.”

Car rental agents, who work in tourist areas across the country leasing a variety of vehicles, have seen everything that works – and doesn’t work – when it comes to conserving gas, saving money and preserving the environment while vacation driving. Here are some tips from agents at Hertz for smart vacation driving:

In Your Own Car

* Have your car thoroughly checked out before going on a long vacation road trip. Be sure tires are properly inflated, oil and oil and air filters are fresh, and the air-conditioning is working properly. “Just 0 in preventative maintenance can save you real dollars in terms of fuel efficiency and a great deal of aggravation if you happen to catch a potentially serious problem before you break down on the roadside,” Pinera says.

* Drive smoothly and considerately. Aggressive driving – fast starts, excessive speed, abrupt maneuvers and constant braking – is not only dangerous, it significantly increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption. “You’ll enjoy the ride more and spend less on gas if you just drive friendly,” Pinera says.

* Only use premium fuel if your car’s manufacturer specifically recommends it for your engine type. Regular fuel costs less and premium will not improve your fuel efficiency in anything but a high-performance engine.

* Look for gas stations that offer pumps with vapor-recovery nozzles. They look like black plastic accordions attached to the nozzle. These curb emissions. Likewise, never try to “top off” your tank with these nozzles. They’re designed to shut off when the gas tank is at its optimum fullness. Continuing to pump could lead to overfilling and spilling.

* Try to pack light and avoid putting anything on top of your vehicle. Rooftop storage may increase the risk of rollover in some types of vehicles, and increases drag, which lowers fuel efficiency in all kinds of autos.

In a Rental Car

* Whenever possible, choose a fuel-efficient model, such as a subcompact, compact or economy car. The good news is that these are usually the least expensive to rent from any company.

* Consider renting a hybrid. Hertz, for example, offers a “Green Collection” of rental cars that includes fuel-sipping hybrids like the Toyota Prius or other environmentally friendly vehicles like the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata, which feature an average Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway fuel efficiency rating of 31 miles per gallon.

* Paying the extra fee for a navigation system can go a long way towards saving you time (and money) driving around lost. “Navigation systems can help you find your way in unfamiliar territory, helping you reach your list of attractions with a minimum of time and gas lost,” Pinera says. “How you entertain the kids in the back seat, however, is entirely up to you.”

For more green driving tips, visit www.greencars.org or www.epa.gov/air/actions/drive_wise. To learn more about Hertz’s fleet of eco-friendly, fuel-saving vehicles, visit www.Hertz.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Spring is finally here and after the harsh Canadian winter it’s time to think about making your car or truck look great once again.Proper car care starts with a thorough washing. It’s important to wash all the road salt, mud and grime that have accumulated on your vehicle and under the wheel wells during the winter. Greg Morton, general manager of Meguiar’s Canada, a manufacturer of automotive appearance care products, said to make sure you use a pH balanced car wash. “Using a harsh detergent like dish wash soap is not recommended as it will strip any car wax off your car”.

After washing your car Morton says the next step is to evaluate the surface of your car. “Rub the face of your clean hand across the top surfaces. If the surface feels rough to the touch, you likely have items such as road tar, bugs or water deposits on your surface. These need to be cleaned off your car before waxing. Otherwise you won’t be waxing your paint but you will be waxing on top of these bonded contaminants.” There are a few products on the market to do this such as Meguiar’s Quik Clay, Morton said.

After washing and cleaning your vehicle, you need to apply a polish and wax to protect your car’s finish from the harsh elements such as UV rays, acid rain, and industrial fallout. “Always use smooth, uniform and even coats for maximum coverage,” Morton said.

“Tools are just as important.” Morton recommends the use of a high quality microfibre cloth or 100% terry cloth towel. “The use of dish cloths, diapers, or rags will end up scratching your car and doing more harm than good. The paint on your car is very sensitive,” Morton says.

In its effort to serve the customer, Meguiar’s offers a free personalized Car Care Prescription Guide on its website: www.meguiars.com. Simply type in your car’s information and where you live and Meguiar’s will prescribe a car care program tailored to your personal needs.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

As soon as the snow begins to fall, as it has in most Northern cities across the country, drivers are faced with an entirely new set of challenges on the road. Snow and ice can be treacherous, but if you’re prepared for the dangers they present, winter driving is much less scary.

Whether you’ve already done a little slipping and sliding, or are hoping to prevent that scary occurrence altogether, it is important to make yourself aware of 10 road rules that apply in the wintertime:

1. Take steps to make sure your driveway will be safe to travel on. Before you even put the car in gear, sprinkle sand that is specially-formulated to increase traction on snow and ice on all areas you’re likely to walk on or drive over. Sand products are one of the most helpful and under-used products for winter driving, and the actual consistency of products such as Sakrete Multi-Purpose Sand was made to be poured over ice and provide immediate traction to your vehicle. You can find it at most home improvement stores and the re-sealable bag is suitable for rugged storage in variable temperatures.

2. Add ballast to your car. Products such as Sakrete’s Tube Sand adds weight and ballast to your vehicle to give you better traction, and if you need it, the sand inside also can help you out of a bind. “This is a product much like your spare tire,” says Shawn King of Sakrete, a leading brand of sand and concrete products. “A lot of people forget about it, but if something happens it immediately becomes the most important item in your trunk.”

3. Be prepared for an emergency situation. Emergency situations can arise at any time. The supplies you should keep in your trunk are a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack, a shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, two or more bags of sand and a tool kit. You should also carry a survival kit that includes a working flashlight and extra batteries, flares, matches, a compass, extra windshield cleaner, an ice scraper and snow brush, blankets, a first aid kit and non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

4. Turn on your headlights. Even in the daytime to increase your visibility to other motorists, and be sure to keep your lights and windshield clean.

5. Decrease your speed. To drive safely on roads you suspect may be icy, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

6. Watch for black ice and other frozen patches. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

7. Shift into lower gears. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

8. Drive defensively. If your front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go, then return the transmission to “drive” or release the clutch and accelerate gently. Steer in the direction you want your wheels to go. If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer left if you are sliding left and right if you’re sliding right.

9. If you get stuck, do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. If a light touch on the gas doesn’t ease your car out, open the trunk and take out your emergency shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Then, put down the bag of Sakrete Tube Sand –Winter Traction Grit, kept in your trunk, and simply drive over it (The sand comes in a reinforced woven bag made specifically to be driven over). Once you’re out of your bind, don’t forget to stop and pick up the bag in case you need it again for traction.

10. If you become stranded, do not leave your car. Unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation; it would be extremely dangerous to leave your car. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

No one wants to drive in inclement weather, but if you have to, being familiar with these 10 tips should make you feel safer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Are you driving around in a vehicle that’s an accident waiting to happen? If you have chips or cracks in your windshield, the answer may be “Yes.”

A lot of people ignore chips and cracks that are not in the driver’s line of sight because they figure they are no big deal, but that’s a big mistake. The windshield is a critical safety component in your vehicle and if it’s compromised in any way, it could fail you when you need it the most.

According to the National Glass Association, a trade group representing the glass industry, a vehicle’s windshield has three basic functions: to prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle in an accident, to absorb the impact when an airbag deploys and to support the roof. In fact, industry experts have estimated that windshields provide up to 70 percent of the structural integrity in a rollover accident, and if left unchecked, damage caused by rocks and flying debris could ultimately cause them to crumble rather than protect the passengers.

There’s also the issue of the approaching season change. Winter, and the cold weather that comes with it, is a compromised windshield’s worst enemy. If moisture gets into a crack, the constant cooling and heating of the glass can cause that crack to expand all the way across the windshield. And once a crack enters the driver’s line of sight, by law, the entire windshield needs to be replaced at a cost sometimes in excess of 0.

“It’s crazy to let that happen when there’s a simple solution that will only cost you a fraction of that amount,” says Brent Deines of DeltaKits, Inc., a leading manufacturer of professional windshield repair equipment and supplies, who estimates the average windshield repair job costs just to . There’s also the convenience factor. Because the tools needed are so compact, repair services can be performed pretty much anywhere — at glass shops, oil and lube shops, automobile dealerships, and even in the driveway of your home or business.

Here’s how it works. The service tech injects an optically matched acrylic resin into the damaged area of the windshield. The resin replaces air trapped within the damaged area, and is then cured (hardened), creating a molecular bond that strengthens the glass and keeps the damage from spreading. Once cured, the resin is leveled to be flush with the glass surface, and polished to a glass-like finish. When executed properly, the repair will be nearly invisible and unable to detect by running your finger over it.

“One of the best things about repairing versus replacing the windshield is that you don’t have to compromise the factory-installed seal,” says Deines. In addition, windshield repair is a more environmentally friendly service. The waste produced fits in the palm of your hand and weighs less than an ounce versus the waste from a windshield replacement which in addition to the damaged glass includes adhesive containers, primers, moldings and other non bio-degradable materials — well over 25 pounds worth!

It is estimated that 1 in 100 windshields on the road today receives repairable damage in a given year, which has made auto glass repair a growing industry and has also created a growing demand for windshield repair technicians. Depending on the system and techniques used, just about anyone can complete professional quality repairs with just a few hours of practice, so business opportunities abound.

“I love to watch the expression on a person’s face when their first repair disappears before their eyes. They are always amazed at how simple the process is,” says Deines.

To learn more about the benefits of windshield repair or what’s involved in setting up a business, log on to www.deltakits.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Moving during the winter brings extra challenges when driving a rental truck.

Penske Truck Rental offers these tips to help make your winter journey smooth and easy:

* Get oriented. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Be sure to adjust the mirrors and know how the heater, defroster and wipers work. Pick up your truck a day early and practice maneuvering it.

* Wait out bad weather. The most difficult time to operate any vehicle is in snow and icy road conditions. If possible, wait out the bad weather until the roads are clear.

* Stopping takes longer. A 16-foot rental truck requires up to three times more distance to stop on a slick road. Larger trucks take even more. Always leave extra stopping space between the vehicles around yours on slick or dry roads.

* Clear snow and ice. Be sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before you take to the road. Clear mirrors, windows, headlights, tail lights, and remove any excess snow on the vehicle’s hood and roof.

* Blind spots. Trucks have oversized blind spots, known as the “No Zone” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Know these spots by visiting www.sharetheroadsafely.org especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop.

* Antilock brakes. The key is to let antilock brakes do its work, and that’s accomplished by applying to the pedal constant and firm pressure. That should prevent brake lockup and loss of steering. There is no need to pump antilock brakes multiple times, as is the case with older cars.

* Speed. Slow down on slick roads. The recommended maximum speed for a loaded rental truck is 45 miles per hour in favorable road conditions and much slower in slick winter road conditions. So, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to safely reach your new home.

* Pack essential items. Be sure to bring along extra drinks and snacks, and especially a cell phone, in the event you are sidelined during prolonged weather delays.

* Rest up. Get a good night’s sleep before you take to the highway to maximize your reaction time.

Get more moving tips from Penske online at www.GoPenske.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

He’s the man credited with leading NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick into victory lane at this year’s Daytona 500, but how much do you know about crew chief, Todd Berrier? Turns out he has racing in his blood.

“My dad raced when I was growing up and, even from a young age, I knew it was something I really wanted to do,” says Berrier, who got his start working on Busch Grand National cars at a local track where he learned the ins and outs of what it takes to win.

Here he shares some thoughts on an incredible career:

Q: How does it feel to be the crew chief for a Daytona 500-winning car?
I have to admit it was pretty cool to win. Not many people get a chance to work on a car that runs in the Daytona 500, much less win the whole thing. But after a little while of enjoying the win, it was back to the grind. We had to focus on our upcoming projects and winning the Daytona 500 just made me want to win the next race even more. There’s no better feeling than that!

Q: How would you describe your job?
The bulk of my job used to focus on maintaining and modifying our cars while also helping to develop new strategies and ideas. But because the cost and logistics of what we do are much more complex than they were even three years ago, my job is now focused on logistics and planning for the team. We approach every decision from a business-minded angle, so it’s important that we’re fully utilizing our resources to obtain the best possible advantage over the competition.

Q: What’s the single biggest challenge to being successful in NASCAR?
The biggest challenge in NASCAR is the time commitment to the job, whether you’re a crew chief, driver, or part of the pit crew. I’m in our facilities every day except the days we are at the track. That ends up being Monday through Wednesday, with half a day on Thursday before we travel to the race. We’re also on the road every Thursday through Sunday for 38 weeks, with an additional ten test days spread out throughout the year. When things might not be going as well as you’d like, you really have to get in there and focus on what’s going right. This is a demanding job but it can also be very rewarding.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you during the race weekend?
Well, that’s not exactly an easy answer as there are no “typical” days when it comes to racing. On Thursday afternoons we leave the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) facilities and fly to the race location. We have just enough time to check into the hotel and then it’s lights out because we know we have a long couple of days ahead of us.

The team will get to the track early on Friday morning so we can settle into the garage area and get the car ready for inspection. After we go through inspection, the first practice session of the day takes place, with our qualifying runs scheduled at around 3 p.m. After we’ve qualified for the race on Friday, we have two Saturday practice sessions to test our modifications and make sure everything is running like it should be.

Then it’s on to Sunday, the most exciting (and longest) day of the weekend. It all starts at 6 a.m. when we make any last minute adjustments before our pre-race inspection. The races typically start at around noon and can last up to four hours. Cars that finish in the top five must go through a post-race inspection to make sure everyone was playing fair. Once the inspection is over, we load up the truck and race to the airport to catch the first flight home. It makes for a long weekend but it’s always a fun one.

Q: As part of the sponsor relationship, is Shell or Pennzoil providing special fuel or motor oil for the race team?
RCR not only has a new sponsor in Shell but a new technical partner as well, with Pennzoil supplying motor oil and lubricants products for all RCR vehicles. We work with Shell and Pennzoil engineers and scientists to develop and race some of the most technologically advanced motor oils. The fuel we use on the race track must be provided by NASCAR’s official fuel supplier.

But off the track, I’m always looking to get the most out of my vehicle so I use Shell. In fact, a lot of the guys on the team drive cars that recommend higher-octane fuel so we use Shell V-Power because it’s a premium fuel with added cleaning power, five times the cleaning agent required by federal government standards, in fact. We also like that it’s in part a direct result of the technical collaboration between Shell and Ferrari in Formula One.

For more information about the benefits of using Shell V-Power over any other conventional fuel, log on to www.shell.com and type “V-Power” into the search box.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

With much of the country enjoying unseasonably warm weather, it might be easy to forget that winter — and the weather challenges that come with the season — will be here before we know it. Before the weather gets unbearable, now is a good time to make sure that your vehicle is ready for winter.

“Be ready, be prepared,” says Jim Sinclair, vice president of service for Subaru of America, Inc. “Even if your vehicle gives you the confidence and control that comes with the superior traction and inherent safety of all-wheel drive, you’ll still need to give your vehicle a thorough ‘winterizing’ treatment.”

Here are some hints for ensuring your car is in top condition for safe winter motoring:

* Rain is a common winter driving hazard throughout the country. While most people think of ice or snow when cautioned about slippery roads, the truth is wet roads can be just as slick. Tires can hydroplane on a layer of water, losing contact with the road and causing the vehicle to skid. Rain lifts oil and other slippery fluids, dripped by passing autos, and can create a slick layer on the blacktop. Flooded roads can stall engines. Slow down on wet roads. Consider buying a vehicle with features like all-wheel drive and electronic stability control.

* Start out with a safe car. Studies show that all-wheel drive and electronic stability control significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. Automakers are beginning to offer the technologies on more models. Subaru offers both as standard equipment on models like its Tribeca, which has earned the top safety ratings from industry watchdogs such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safecar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

* Replace worn tires. Your tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Worn treads provide less traction and greater chance to slide. Likewise, for optimal performance — and better gas mileage — make sure tires are properly inflated according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Don’t forget your wiper blades. Worn wiper blades can severely hamper visibility in poor weather, and after a long summer of sun and heat, wiper blades can become dry and brittle. And don’t forget the inside of the glass — a strong glass cleaner can remove the oily film and help the defroster clear windows faster.

* Check your vehicle’s fluid levels. Maintaining a 50/50 mix of antifreeze will prevent your engine coolant from freezing as temperatures drop. Be sure your engine oil is ready for the season — when having the oil changed, remember that severe cold weather can require a switch to a different oil viscosity for better flow at lower temperatures. Be sure that your power steering and brake fluids are properly filled, and don’t forget the battery — while most modern batteries are sealed and cannot be filled, a charge test will ensure enough cranking power to start your engine as temperatures fall.

* Winter driving also comes with shorter daylight hours — and a greater likelihood of at least some portion of your commute being driven in the dark — so it is important to check all vehicle lighting. Check not only your headlights, but also your taillights, back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and brake lights. These lights are important not only because they help you to see, but also serve as a way to help you communicate clearly with other motorists.

* Take advantage of safety resources. Throughout October, National Car Care month, many dealerships offer free safety screenings to motorists who drive the brand of car sold at the dealership. For example, during the month of October, participating Subaru dealers will conduct free professional diagnostics on all Subaru models. The inspection includes a check-up of all major operating systems, and drivers receive a written report of the vehicle’s condition. Visit www.subaru.com to find a dealer in your area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dan Woods is to old cars what Bob Villa is to old houses. Host of an auto restoration show, Woods takes a similar approach to Villa by communicating with the audience, documentary style. Woods illuminates the auto restoration process in an easy-to-understand way that gives viewers the information they need to tackle projects themselves.

“I am not the expert. The shops treat me like a third-year apprentice, which helps the audience know what’s going on and gives the show that how-to element,” says Woods. “Like Bob, I don’t lift a hammer, but explain what kind of hammer to use, how fast to lift it, and how many times you hit, to get the job done right.”

“Chop Cut Rebuild” (CCR) is a spin-off from the show “Classic Car Restorations,” which came from an idea Woods developed with an old friend he played softball with. “We were always talking cars during the games, and once the idea was solid we became business partners,” explains Woods. “We go to the best auto restoration shops around and show what they do. The cars would be restored anyway even if we weren’t there so the show becomes a type of how-to video diary.”

Now in its fourth season on SPEED, the critically acclaimed series is renowned for delivering restoration and customizing information, straight up, with no fluff. The show features two season-long projects. First, the restoration of a concept car that was one of only 3,000 units ever produced, a 1975 Bricklin SV-1. The second project is the creation of a 1964 Chevy Impala made from scrap yard finds with components and replacement parts.

Both cars kicked into high gear with heavy horse-power under the hood and artful, inventive aesthetic appeal that will turn any head. Together with elite “all-star” tech teams and designers, Woods goes into deep details so the hardcore gear-heads get what they came for.

Woods credits his father for introducing him to cars. “Dad changed careers and was running a junk yard. He had me stripping and cleaning car parts. I learned how to get a car running from other cars’ parts and went through three Pintos in one year,” remembers Woods. “I never restored a car, but I sure learned to appreciate them by seeing all the “hay bales” my father created. This show lets me feel like I can rectify all the wrongs he did by crushing up old cars that could have been restored.”

Woods appreciates the show for the fan interaction. As host, he is one of the few producers who can go online and chat with the viewers. Answering questions about the show and specific questions about the cars and the restoration process, he also replies to complaints and misunderstandings. He responds directly to them, explains the reasons for doing it which really diffuses their anger. Fans are impressed with the one-on-one contact and become loyal viewers.

Check for local listings and show times of “Chop Cut Rebuild” by going online to www.speedtv.com and log on to www.ccr.tv to contact Dan Woods or for more information on their current project.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Whether you’re hauling for work or for play, it’s important to protect all the gear that goes into your truck bed. Truck owners frequently use their vehicles to haul all kinds of cargo that could potentially be damaged or stolen.

“People invest a lot of time and money into the equipment they use,” says Peter May, from Lund International. “Keeping it securely in your vehicle ensures it will work to its full potential and eliminates worry.”

One inexpensive, yet effective way to protect your gear is with a tonneau cover. Assuming you have installed a bed liner for basic protection, adding a tonneau cover will help protect the gear that goes into the bed, protecting it from debris and moisture. Whether hinged, roll-up, tri-fold or with snap closures, they protect your gear from extreme elements. Not to mention keeping everything safe from theft. Out of sight is out of mind. If something isn’t visible, it’s much less likely to be stolen.

When you’re hauling work tools, furniture or hunting, fishing or camping equipment, cover the side rails and tailgate to help keep them safe from the wear and tear of loading and unloading. Side rail caps, tailgate caps and tailgate protectors in polished diamond plate aluminum protect the bed’s finish and enhance your vehicle’s appearance.

If you are frequently loading ATVs, lawnmowers or other motorized equipment, a folding aluminum ramp is the way to go. With an extruded hole surface for a solid grip and raised edges to help keep tires safely on the ramp, it’s the safest, easiest way to load the vehicles. Ramps also eliminate the need for a trailer, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The ramp’s heavy-duty design has a 1,000-pound distributed load capacity per ramp and yet, weighs only 17 pounds. The rubberized tailgate protector guards the tailgate finish, and easy fold-and-go design with carrying handle allows for convenient storage.

Taking your ATV along for hunting, camping or mending fences typically means you need to carry other equipment with you. ATV boxes mounted to your vehicle help to keep it all in place, free from the damaging elements and locked up safe. Binoculars, ammunition, a GPS unit, a two-way radio, tools and anything else that needs to stay clean and dry fits easily in the box.

The ATV boxes have aluminum diamond plate construction with a black powder coat finish that resists cracking and fading, and minimizes reflection from the sun. Sturdy latches and locks keep gear safe, and drain and ventilation holes for air circulation make cleaning a breeze.

With plenty of secure storage for work and play, you can put your mind at ease wherever you are and no matter what you’re doing. Your truck and your stuff will last longer and still look great.

For more information log on to www.lundinternational.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

By J. C. Carroll

(NC)-For every dollar spent on maintaining your vehicle, you stand to keep six dollars in your pocket, claims a recent study in the automotive industry.

“The report, released at the 2000 Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar, showed that for the 8,000 vehicles studied, .2 million was spent and .5 million was saved,” says Freeman Young, president of Krown Rust Control. “This is welcome news for car owners in the face of higher and higher gas prices, repair bills, and insurance costs.”

The reported savings factored in the cost of car payments, interest, and insurance. “Most importantly,” said Young, “the key to lowering overall costs lies in avid maintenance to extend the life cycle of the automobile.”

Here’s a handy checklist aimed at doubling your car’s life expectancy:

MAINTENANCE MUSTS:

• Tune-Up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech performance of today’s vehicles. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines.
• Corrosion Treatment. Essential in the Canadian climate, an annual corrosion body treatment helps to reduce rust and deterioration in the electrical system and every moving part of the body is lubricated. A Krown treatment for example, keeps the sensors, computer, and battery working longer and it helps to lengthen the life cycle of your brake, gas line, and even the sending unit of your gas tank. The corrosion is reduced in the seams and from the inside body panels to help lengthen the paint life.
• Change Engine Oil and Air Filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5,000 kilometers.
• Check Spark Plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows serious erosion.
• System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year.
• Wash and Polish. Remove the weather and road elements regularly, and protect the paint with polish at least once per season.
• Interior Care. Dust and clean dashboard with every car wash. Vacuum at least once per season. Shampoo upholstery whenever needed.

Credit: www.newscanada.com