By Jim Grey

Dirty engine oil, improperly inflated tires, corroded battery clamps/terminals, faulty windshield wipers, non-working brake lights and clogged air filters are traditionally among problems with vehicles inspected in automotive facilities.

October is Car Care Month and AAA Carolinas will offer free vehicle 26-point safety checkups this month at AAA Car Care Centers and AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) facilities for anyone making an appointment. (A list of facilities and phone numbers is on page 56.)

Inspections include a check of your vehicle’s belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, windshield wipers and battery.
Last year, repairs and maintenance in AAA Car Care Centers included:

• Oil changes – 27%
• Faulty equipment replaced – 28%
• Tires – 12%
• Brakes – 11%
• Inspections – 12%
• Cooling systems -3%
• Electrical problems – 4%
• Fuel system -3%

Many repairs can be avoided with regular vehicle check-ups. Here are some helpful suggestions.

Tires
Two of the most overlooked maintenance items today are tires and tire pressure. Tires are a critical safety element on any vehicle. Proper tire maintenance helps ensure tires can safely grip the road and help your vehicle maneuver on wet surfaces.

Proper tire pressure improves tire life, handling, ride characteristics, and fuel economy. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month while the tires are cool.

How a tire wears depends on a number of conditions.

For example, front tires wear more on the edges than rear tires, because front tires turn with the steering wheel, putting additional wear on the edges of the tires. The right-side tire may receive additional stress because it is more likely to make contact with potholes and curbs. Left-side tires usually support more weight.

If a tire always remains in the same corner of the car, it will wear out much faster than the others, so rotate them at least twice annually.

The average consumer rotates tires every 9,000 miles. However, most manufacturers recommend tire rotation every 6,500 miles.

Belts and Hoses
Most vehicle owners do not know how often to inspect belts and hoses. Most manufacturers recommend replacement of most of your hoses every five years or 50,000 miles. Belts and hoses are inexpensive to replace. However, not maintaining these parts can add up to a major expense, if they fail and damage your engine.

Computers
Twenty years ago, each vehicle was maintained in basically the same way on essentially the same schedule. Driving time was less severe because traffic wasn’t as hectic, and cars with computer components were rare.

But today’s motorists need to study their owner’s manuals and consult with repair providers to understand the specific maintenance needs of their vehicles.

Additionally, manufacturers send out hundreds of notices each year concerning adjustments of computer settings that vehicle owners are unaware of. Always ask your repair facility if they affect your vehicle.

Oil Changes
More than 50 percent of consumers change their oil every 3,000 miles.

However, depending on the vehicle you own and the type of driving you do, you may not need to change your oil so often. Clean oil prolongs the life of your vehicle’s engine. AAA recommends changing your oil about 500 miles sooner than your owner’s manual for added protection.

Filters and Battery
A clogged air filter can cut gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. A clean filter protects the engine from damaging impurities.

Oil filters eliminate impurities that could affect the movement of your vehicle’s parts.

Test your battery at least semi-annually and especially as winter approaches because batteries have more difficulty recharging in cold weather.

Jim Grey is president of AAA Car Care Center and a master technician. For more car care tips and money-saving coupons, visit AAA.com/carcare.