Keeping your car on the road

Keeping your car on the road

Keep your car on the road and save $10,000.

Car Care Canada, through it's Be Car Care Aware campaign, wants to remind motorists that those who treat their vehicles as valuable investments, and commit to regular vehicle maintenance, end up saving a lot of money in the long term while still protecting the environment.

According to Runzheimer International, the difference in the savings over a four-year period between keeping a car and buying a new one is more than $10,000. For Canadian drivers, maintaining their current vehicle is the best economic option.

To help ensure reliability and safety, and extend vehicle life, Car Care Canada recommends these preventive maintenance steps:

• Change the oil and filter every 5,000-8,000 kilometres or per the owner's manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your car's engine clean on the inside.

• Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car's tires affect its ride, fuel economy, handling, traction and safety.

• Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car's performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy, and produces the lowest level of emissions.

• Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as normal wear, can take their toll on your car's steering and suspension. A wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.

• Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement.

“For many Canadians, the cost of a new car is prohibitive and keeping their current vehicles running efficiently is an affordable and environmentally-sound alternative,” said racecar driver and Car Care Canada spokesperson Kelly Williams.

To learn more, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at http://www.carcarecanada.ca.

Search CarTest!

Custom Search