Tips & Tricks

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Log Book

Maintaining a vehicle log book pays great dividends in the maintenance of you vehicle. All you need is a small note book and a pen stored in your glove box.

Here are some examples of what you should track:

• Fuel fill-ups and mileage
• Addition of fluids such as engine oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluid and at what mileage
• Maintenance performed: what, when, and by whom
• Services performed other than routine maintenance, i.e. body repairs or paint, accessories installed, etc
• Insurance and registration information
• Any drivability or mechanical problems – when do they occur, under what conditions, and how often

By maintaining a logbook you will add value to your vehicle when you go to sell it. Your logbook will show the next owner how well you maintained your vehicle and give them a guide to all your vehicles history. This has been John’s maintenance minute brought to you by your friends at the Colorado Select Napa AutoCare centers.

Oil Change Intervals

There has been a lot of talk lately about when to change the oil in your vehicle. The standard we all grew up with was 3 months or 3,000 miles. Is this still true for today’s vehicles? The answer is yes. There are people in the industry who would like you to think you can go 7-10,000 miles on an oil change. This is simply not true. If you live and drive in Colorado your vehicle falls into the severe duty category. In this case changing your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles is recommended. By extending your oil change intervals you could be causing serious damage to the internal components of your engine. I have done the math and the money you save from extending your oil change intervals does not offset the cost of major engine repairs. By safe not sorry and change your oil every 3 months or 3000 miles. This has been John’s maintenance minute brought to you by your friends at the Colorado Select Napa AutoCare centers.

Wiper Blades

Have you thought about your wiper blades lately? Most people don’t think about them until they need them. Wiper blades are one of the most neglected parts on your vehicle. Have your local Colorado Select AutoCare Center inspect your wiper blades and replace them if necessary. NAPA has a wide variety of wiper blades including ones with Teflon and your local AutoCare Center can recommend the blades that best suite your vehicles needs. Get you wiper blades inspected before the next big storm hits. This has been maintenance tips with John and your friends at the Colorado Select Napa AutoCare centers.

Tire Pressure

According to the Car Care Council 54% of vehicles inspected in last years Car Care Inspections had “under inflated” tires. Under inflated tires is one of the leading causes of lost fuel mileage. Have your tire pressure inspected and adjusted today at your local Colorado Select AutoCare Center. Not only will you add miles to the life of your tires but you will also save fuel which is at a premium and help our summer ozone. This has been John’s maintenance minute brought to you by your friends at the Colorado Select Napa AutoCare centers.

OZONE

Ozone pollution is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from local industry, our cars, and even our lawnmowers contribute to ozone formation. At ground level, ozone is harmful to all of us. Ozone pollution can cause breathing problems and respiratory infections in the elderly, the young, and those with pre-existing ailments. Even healthy people who exercise or work outdoors can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. By maintaining your vehicle’s engine and emissions systems you are helping to reduce the effects of Ozone. Another way to help is by filling up your gas tank in the evening hours and mowing the lawn after 5:00 pm. Together we can make a difference in Ozone in our Colorado Air. This has been John’s maintenance minute brought to you by your friends at the Colorado Select Napa AutoCare centers.