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Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly
maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer, and will last
longer - up to 50 percent longer, according to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto
Technicians. The following tips should put you on the road to environmentally
conscious car care.
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* Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as
30 percent. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters
and fluids as recommended.
* Check your tires for proper inflation. Underinflation wastes fuel - your engine has
to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread
wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Properly maintained tires will
last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed.
* Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only by a technician
certified competent to handle/recycle refrigerants.
* Do-it-yourselfers: dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant, tires, and old
batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local municipal
or country government for recycling sites.
* Observe speed limit. Mileage decreases sharply above 55 mph.
* Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky stop-and-gos. Use cruise control on
open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.
* Avoid excessive idling. Shut off engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's
vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so forget about those long warm-ups on cold
winter mornings.
* Remove excessive items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Store
luggage/cargo in the trunk rather than on the roof to reduce air drag.
Remember, how your car runs, how you drive it, and how its fluids, old parts and tires are
disposed of all have serious consequences on the environment.
Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
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What to Do in Case of an Accident
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Most drivers make costly, long-term decision errors immediately following an accident as
fear gives way to anger and frustration. Questions race through your head faster than the
mind can register them. Who was at fault? Will my car ever be right again? What are my rights
and responsibilities? A calm and informed reaction to an accident will reduce your chances
for additional grief and expense.
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Move your vehicle to a safe place, then stop and identify yourself to the other driver.
(Some state or local statutes may require the vehicle be left as is.) If it cant be moved,
turn on the hazard lights. Seek medical help if you or other parties require it, and notify
the police. Tell them who you are, where you are, and about any obvious or claimed injuries.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) including drivers license numbers. Get the
drivers name, address, telephone numbers and name of insurance company. Also, list any
passengers and witnesses.
Get names and badge numbers of any police officers who arrive at the scene. If there
are injuries or extensive damage, the police should file a report. Ask to get a copy.
Avoid any extensive discussions at the scene about who is responsible for damage. If the
other person admits responsibility, offers a money settlement and you accept, any future
claim against the driver may be compromised. You or the other party may later find damage
and bodily injury not apparent at first.
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Write a complete description of the accident as soon as possible. Include weather conditions,
estimated speeds, and as much precise information as you can observe. Take photographs if a
camera is available.
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Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
Have the vehicle towed or driven to a collision repair facility of your choice.
Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
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Jumper cables
Pliers, an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver
A first-aid kit
Blankets
A supply of any regularly needed or taken medications
Candles and matches
Sand or kitty litter for climates with snow or ice
Clean water
Canned fruit or nuts and a can opener
Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
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Car Care Tips
According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused
by automobile maintenance neglect. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will
greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even
benefit the environment.
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Always consult your owners manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter
changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield
washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance
of the vehicle.
Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is
the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked
once a month.
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Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce
fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components
of the vehicle's suspension system.
Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid
should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of
maintenance-free batteries.
Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake
and tail lights.
Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them
approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for
cracks and missing sections or segments.
Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked
approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that
the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.
Always consult the vehicle owner's manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer
maintenance requirements vary greatly.
Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA)
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