CAR TIPS

Oil Levels

You’ll get a more accurate dipstick reading by waiting few minutes after turning off the engine, giving the oil time to drain from the crankcase into the oil pan. And make sure the vehicle is on level ground!

Engine Overheating

If your engine overheats in summer traffic, turn off the air conditioner and turn the heater and fan to their highest levels. You’ll get warm, but you’ll cool down the engine.

Removing Carpet/Fabric Stains

Rub stubborn stains with a damp cloth moistened with club soda or glass cleaner. Or try denture cleaner dissolved according to directions on the package. It’s a good idea to do a spot test first.

Get Your Car Ready for Summer

As temperatures increase, so do the demands made on your vehicle. So make sure your vehicle’s up to summer’s challenge.

• Check the vehicle’s air conditioning system.
• Check the cooling system -both hoses and radiator- for leaks. Check the coolant recovery reservoir under the hood when the engine is cold. Add coolant, if required. Use the coolant recommended in your owner’s manual. Replace conventional coolant every two years or 60,000 miles (every five years/150,000 miles DEX-COOL®).
• In severe summer temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for the oil viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle.
• Check wiper blades. Winter temperatures and ice can cause nicks that decrease performance. Cold temperatures can also make blades brittle.
• Remove your snow tires and make sure your summer tires have good, deep treads.
• Check the battery and cables. Winter temperatures can reduce the charge.

Maintenance needs vary with different uses and driving conditions. See your owner’s manual for more information.

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

You wouldn’t head out into cold weather without bundling up. Your vehicle faces similar challenges as temperatures drop. The bottom line: it needs a little extra care as the mercury plummets. But a little preparation before winter sets in may prevent major headaches later.

• Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle. A whiskbroom also makes an excellent snow brush.
• Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your owner’s manual for directions and details.
• Cold weather affects battery efficiency. Most cold-weather breakdowns occur because batteries aren’t delivering full cranking power. Also check to make sure battery cables are corrosion-free.
• In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your owner’s manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle’s engine.
• Put on snow tires if you live in major snow belt areas. Check your owner’s manual for details and recommended practices.
• Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield can cause nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.
• If you’re planning a trip, take a blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.

Ten Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

1. Warming up your vehicle in the driveway wastes fuel. Drive slowly for the first few miles instead to bring your engine to optimal driving temperature.
2. Smooth, gradual acceleration increases mileage; rapid starts waste fuel. Try to maintain a steady rate of speed and take advantage of timed traffic lights.
3. Watch your speed. For every mile per hour over 50, mileage decreases roughly one percent. When traveling at a steady speed, most vehicles get their best mileage between 35 and 45 mph.
4. Proper tyre inflation and wheel alignment decrease road resistance and increase mileage. Check tyre pressure monthly and rotate wheels using your vehicles specific maintenance schedule.
5. A well-maintained vehicle will run properly and use fuel more efficiently.
6. Use your air conditioning wisely. With the air on, your engine uses more fuel.
7. Drive less by planning ahead. Try to do all your errands in one trip and plan the most efficient route.
8. Don’t vent your anger behind the wheel. Aggressive acceleration wastes fuel and can be dangerous as well.
9. When you see a red light or stop sign ahead, take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle coast in gear. This lets momentum get you to the junction.
10. Shift properly. If you have a manual transmission, shifting into high gear as soon as possible without straining the engine reduces drag and uses less fuel.