Tips for National Car Care Month with Expert Jody DeVere
NATION’S #1 LADY AUTO EXPERT PROVIDES TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CAR SUMMER READY
WHAT EVERYONE REALLY “AUTO” KNOW ABOUT CARE CARE
Founder of ASKPATTY.Com Checks under the Hood with Timely Tips for NATIONAL CAR CARE MONTH & National Informed Women Month
Did you know that women purchase 65% of all new cars and 53% of used cars. It’s estimated that 65% of women take their vehicles to a repair shop for service. Whether it’s buying a new car, repairing “old reliable” or dealing with a recall, drivers need to know their cars better than ever before. And now, more than ever, women are in charged with keeping their cars running.
Jody DeVere is the Founder of AskPatty.com, a unique website designed for women to answer questions cars. She is also the author of the Automotive Advice for Women blog and Past President of Women’s Automotive Association International. Jody knows her way around the garage, and she’ll tell your viewers the right questions to ask, the basics they can do themselves and how to pick the right place to either buy a car or take it for service. Jody will also explain what makes a service station or dealer “Certified Female Friendly.”
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
- HIGH MAINTENANCE CHICK–Spend time on you, not car fixes
- TIRE CHECK–How to choose the right tires for your needs
- TECH THRIFTY—Super savings from new oil technology
- COMMUTER CRAZY—Why safe driving can equal driving savings
SHOULD WE BUY A NEW CAR, OR GET AN OLD ONE REPAIRED
Consider a new car if your current car isn’t dependable, and monthly repairs are averaging 50 percent of a new car payment. This is really a great time to buy a car, and there are some great affordable cars on the market like this 2016 Kia Sorento that is built in the USA. The all-new 2016 Sorento is larger and more capable than
ever with more room for passengers and cargo, along with improved towing capacity of up to 5,000-pounds with the smooth 3.3-liter V6. You’ve got to love the sophisticated appearance and the character of a strong and capable utility vehicle.
For More Information Visit: www.Kia.com
TOP MAINTENANCE PRIORITIES
Start with the battery. When the time comes for family road trips, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is the hassle of getting stranded with a dead car battery. Interstate Batteries offer helpful auto battery care tips. For instance, perform a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If any of these signs are present, it’s time to replace your case. Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Make sure to brush the corrosion away from the body. If there’s any question, have your battery and electrical system professionally tested at an Interstate Batteries location near you every three to six months, and especially prior to heading out on a trip.
Battery Tips For National Car Care Month
National Car Care Month in April marks the time of year to remember to give your vehicle a little extra attention and ensure that it is equipped for the upcoming summer travel season. Routine maintenance is the key to a durable, safe and dependable vehicle – and it can also help save you from more costly repairs down the road.
When the time comes for your family road trips this spring and ummer, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is the hassle of getting stranded with a dead car battery. So to keep your car operating at its finest, Interstate Batteries’ technical services manager Gale Kimbrough, also known as “Mr. Battery” advises car owners to follow his Top Tips For National Car Care Month:
- Take a few minutes to read about your battery in your car’s manual and become familiar with what kind of battery it is, where it is, how to safely clean it and what the indicator lights inside your car might be trying to tell you.
- After a seasonal change, you should first check the battery to make sure it is still fully charged for the spring and summer excursions ahead.
- When working with your car battery, remember to always wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from battery acid discharge.
- Perform a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If any of these signs are present, it’s time to replace your case.
- If your battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell. If the level is low, add distilled water (not tap water) until the plates are covered, preferably one-half inch above the plates. This prevents sulfation.
- Avoid overfilling, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.
- Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Make sure to brush the corrosion away from the body.
- To remove the battery cables first disconnect the negative cables and then the positive. To reinstall the cables, first connect the positive cables and then the negative.
- Be sure to check that the battery is securely mounted in place to minimize vibration.
- Have your battery and electrical system professionally tested every three to six months, and especially prior to heading out on a trip.
Checking off these items from this National Car Care Month list may require different batteries and other accessories. Interstate All Battery Center makes it easy with thousands of different batteries available— Powering the Things That Make Life Better®. For more information, visit www.interstatebatteries.com.
WHAT WE SHOULD WE GET CHECKED IN SPRING
Of course, regular oil changes are key, but nothing is more important than safety. Winter can damage windshield wipers, so if your wipers are worn replace them. I recommend Michelin Stealth Hybrid Windshield Wiper Blade because they’re durable, reliable and they’ll stand up to bad weather to give you better visibility. They are the perfect “all season” wiper blade. Michelin Wipers are made out of sturdy metal construction and graphite coated rubber and they’re so easy to install, most of you can do it yourself in minutes.
For More Information Visit: www.MichelinWipers.com
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO CHECK YOUR TIRES
When prepping your car for spring driving, don’t forget your tires — one of the most overlooked safety features on your vehicle. Check your pressure and inspect your tread because the amount of tread on your tire is directly related to how much grip you have on the road in wet weather. Michelin’s newest tire, the Premier, is designed so that as the tire wears, the tread evolves to prolong safety. In fact, even when worn, the Michelin Premier All Season stops shorter on wet roads than the leading competitors’ brand new tires.
For More Information Visit: www.MichelinMan.com
CAR CARE WE SHOULD CONSIDER DOING OURSELVES
Time for a spring cleaning for the outside of your car. I recommend this new product line Turtle Wax ICE with Smart Shield Technology it builds layers of unmatched shine and protection. This is ideal for every car lover, from ultimate enthusiasts searching for high-end products, to beginners looking for the easiest way to keep their car looking pristine and protected. You can find the Smart Shield products in select retailers where car care products are sold nationwide.
For More Information Visit: www.TurtleWax.com
MORE CAR CARE TIPS
Finally, check all of your engine’s fluids to make sure that they are full. If you don’t know where all of the fluid bottles are stored, your owner’s manual (or the internet) can help you locate them.
Check each fluid bottle’s dipstick or fill line. These should all be tended to when you take your car in for service, but you can keep an eye on them in between, too. Next, check the belts and hoses. Pull on the belts to make sure they are not loose – if they are, have them checked at an auto shop. Gently squeeze the radiator hoses while the engine is warm (not hot). If the hose feels too soft, it may need replacing. Worn-out spark plugs can greatly reduce fuel efficiency. Check your spark plugs after winter and replace them if needed.
