According to the annual CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ one of the most common check engine light repairs is replacing the oxygen sensor. This relatively minor repair can be costly if neglected, leading to as much as 40 percent lower fuel...
With a majority of vehicle owners living in areas of the country that have stay-at-home orders, many vehicles may be sitting idle for days or weeks at a time. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends starting your car at least once a week and...
Commutes to work are longer than ever, according to the most recent U.S. Census, with the average commute time up 20 percent since the Census began tracking this data in 1980. The more time we spend in our cars, the more important it becomes to make...
Many drivers may feel that they don’t have the time or money to address vehicle repairs immediately, but beware that ignoring some repairs can get you pulled over and even ticketed, says the Car Care Council.
“Ignoring certain vehicle...
Back-to-school season is quickly approaching, which means family vehicles will start working overtime. The Car Care Council has released an informative new video that will help families get their vehicles ready for car pools, playdates,...
A properly operating brake system is critical to safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions. Brake Safety Awareness Month is the ideal time to stop and make sure your brakes are working properly before the new school...
Imagine being stuck in traffic on a 90-degree day when your vehicle’s air conditioning system malfunctions. With summer heating up, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists be car care aware and have their A/C system checked...
Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your vehicle is road trip ready so you can have any problems fixed before you go. A pre-trip vehicle checkup will help avoid the inconvenience, potential safety hazards and unplanned expense of breaking...
The top 10 check engine light repairs from the annual CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ reinforces what the Car Care Council has been saying for years. Motorists who ignore the check engine light get less miles per gallon and could face costly...
Spring is here and its arrival means warmer weather, more hours of daylight and spring break travel. As you set your clocks forward on March 11, and plan to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, take a few steps to make sure your vehicle...
The Car Care Council, in conjunction with AutoNetTV Media (ANTV), has produced a new video about the perils of potholes and how they can adversely affect a vehicle’s handling and performance.
The new video titled “Dangers of...
Changing the oil and oil filter, replacing wiper blades and air filters, and scheduled maintenance top the list of the 10 most common vehicle repairs of 2017.
According to research conducted by IMR Inc., an industry leader in automotive research,...
A six-point vehicle check is a gift that will keep on giving, both in better vehicle performance and fewer unexpected repairs this winter, says the Car Care Council.
“Why not wrap up the holiday season with a gift for you and your car?...
You may notice when the weather turns colder, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your dashboard lights up more frequently. The Car Care Council recommends checking your tire pressure regularly during the winter to help keep the TPMS...
Motorists may not know much about their fuel pump but over the life of owning a vehicle, it will probably need to be replaced. One area that often gets overlooked when putting in a new fuel pump is cleaning the gas tank. The Car Care Council...
Most drivers need to do at least some driving at night, and with the days getting shorter, the time spent behind the wheel during darker hours will surely increase. While properly functioning and properly aimed headlights are always important, this...
Whether changing the oil, replacing the wiper blades or checking the tires, finding the time to perform simple preventative vehicle maintenance is money in the bank, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
According to research conducted by IMR...
Community car care events conducted across the country reveal that the majority of vehicles need service on one or more inspected areas of the vehicle.
“At the Car Care Council, we stress the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance...
Getting a flat tire is no fun for anyone at any time, especially on vacation. To keep your summer road trip rolling along, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends a quick tire check before you leave the driveway.
“The excitement of...
Summer road trip season is here. Taking proactive steps to make sure your vehicle is operating properly will help avoid the hassle and unexpected cost of a breakdown away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
This summer, AAA expects...
Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment. Keeping it clean is an easy and inexpensive way to protect its resale and trade-in value, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“Many motorists procrastinate when it comes to...
Typically, motorists will only replace a headlight bulb that has burned out or is failing. However, replacing just one failed bulb can result in an unbalanced or unpredictable headlight beam, which presents a potential safety risk. From...
Performing simple preventative maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way toward protecting your vehicle investment, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“Buying a new car today comes with a hefty price tag when you add up the down...
The tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road. When they are properly inflated and in good condition, the handling, stability and safety of the vehicle will be maximized. Conversely, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or...
Although you may be thinking of ways to splurge with your tax refund, the Car Care Council recommends something more practical – invest some of that money in auto care and reap the financial benefits.
“According to the Internal...
It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your engine, there are some...
With the cost of a new vehicle on the rise, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers that maintaining their current vehicle makes more economic sense than purchasing a new one.
The average price of a new passenger vehicle is...
With the cost of a new vehicle on the rise, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers that caring for your current vehicle is an easy new year’s resolution to keep, making more economic sense than purchasing a new one.
“During...
As you say goodbye to autumn, winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists perform a six-point winter maintenance check of areas that have direct impact on winter...
This year, Daylight Savings fell on November 6 – the day we all set our clocks back an hour, officially welcoming the season of shorter days. For many, shorter days result in an increase in nighttime driving.
Are you someone, or do you know...
It’s no secret that properly functioning vehicle lights, wipers and mirrors allow for better visibility while driving, yet these items are often forgotten or ignored when performing basic auto care, says the non-profit Car Care...
You need clean air to breathe and so does your car, and a vehicle’s air filters make that possible. The non-profit Car Care Council reminds car owners to have the engine and cabin air filters inspected and changed regularly to ensure...
Fluids and lubricants rank among the most neglected items when it comes to basic auto care, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
Community car care events held throughout the country found that the top-three fluids most likely to be...
Owning a car can be a dream or a nightmare depending on how well you take care of your vehicle, says the non-profit Car Care Council. The following are six things that many motorists do that can harm their car and their...
School carpool season is upon us and the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers to make sure their vehicles are kid-safe and road ready with a five-point checklist:
Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement...
If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay attention. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you suspect any problems, says the non-profit Car...
School is almost back in session and students across the country will soon be packing up their cars and heading off to college. If you are searching for that perfect gift for the college-bound kid in your life, the Car Care Council suggests putting...
Here’s hot news about your car battery that may seem surprising: It’s not so much the cold that gets it down as it is high heat. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s...
The Car Care Council reminds motorists that basic vehicle maintenance is an easy, inexpensive way to prolong the life of vehicles and avoid costly repairs down the road.
“When thinking about vehicle maintenance, regular oil changes likely...
If you are planning a road trip this summer, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put gas in your car and go, says the non-profit Car Care Council. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so...
The news is full of stories about soaring airfares, checked bag fess and extended wait times in airport security lines. When you consider the time and cost of flying, it becomes clear that travel by car is the way to go, says the non-profit Car Care...
National Tire Safety Week begins May 29 and the Car Care Council urges vehicle owners to inspect their tires for wear and tear, as well as check tire pressure and alignment.
According to a national survey conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers...
It’s definitely time to clean your car if someone writes “wash me” on your vehicle. Even if your car hasn’t reached that point, a good cleaning of the inside and outside prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt,...
Once upon a time, buying a new car may have sounded like a dream come true, but keeping your car through the “Cinderella Era” can mean more gold at the end of the rainbow, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“The smartest way...
When is the last time you changed your headlights?
April is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for spring and summer, when most road travel occurs. Not only does April mark the end of winter, but it’s also National Car Care Month....
As winter winds down and the weather gets warmer, motorists will see more potholes on the roadways and avoiding them can be a real challenge. If you hit a pothole, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends watching for three warning signs to...
Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. When it comes to auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair, according to the non-profit Car Care...
Newer model vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to warn drivers that at least one of their tires is underinflated. The dashboard light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe and, if illuminated, should...
With the average price of gas dipping below two dollars per gallon for the first time since 2009, many motorists have been seeing a real savings at the pump. Putting some of that savings toward basic auto care can lead to more miles per gallon and,...
More and more people are keeping their vehicles longer as the average age of a car on the road today is more than 11 years. Considering the cost of a new car is about $31,000 on average, deciding to keep your car rather than buying a new one makes...
Heavy snow can be fun for some, but many drivers dread treacherous winter driving conditions. Being car care aware will help ensure your vehicle is ready for harsh winter weather encountered on the road, says the non-profit Car Care...
It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve...
The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about your vehicle making it over the river and through the woods in time for dinner at grandma’s house. The Car Care Council recommends that before hitting the road for the holidays,...
After two of the worst winters ever in many parts of the country, the Car Care Council suggests that motorists take a little extra time now to make sure their vehicles are prepared for the unexpected when weather arrives.
“The last two...
Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes. Whether you do it...
Things change, including the way we use our cars, how we drive them and the condition of our roads. Although normal driving is defined as steady driving in non-extreme weather or environments, for most motorists today, being a severe driver is more...
True or false: Until your vehicle is out-of-warranty, it must be serviced by the new car dealer or the factory warranty will be void.
Although you may have answered “true,” the correct answer is “false.”
It’s the...
When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list. Brake Safety Awareness Month in August is the perfect time to have your brakes inspected to make sure they are in safe working condition before school starts and cold...
New drivers love their cars, but they typically don’t realize what it takes to maintain them. The Car Care Council recommends having fun teaching children about the importance of car care long before they can drive so they know how routine...
The non-profit Car Care Council suggests the following tips for drivers planning a road trip with the family pet so that all passengers can remain comfortable in the close quarters of a vehicle interior.
“Before you and your pet hit the...
Sitting in traffic when temperatures soar without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system is the last place most drivers want to be. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists...
How you fare when your vehicle fails is often a matter of how you respond. The decisions you make are important and can have positive or negative consequences. Fortunately, most problems are preventable.
Prevention and preparedness are...
Want to save fuel on those long summer highway drives? Close the windows and turn the AC on.
That's just one of the useful -- and frequently surprising -- tips available from fueleconomy.gov, the go-to web site for information on fuel...
If you are hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, you will have lots of company. With millions of Americans taking road trips, the last thing you need is car trouble. A simple pre-trip vehicle inspection helps ensure a safe and stress-free...
Cars are expensive and complex machines that need to be maintained properly so that they don't break down prematurely. If a modern car is treated with care, it can last for over 200,000 miles without needing major costly repairs. However,...
Looking for ways to become more environmentally friendly with your car? Motorists can help protect the environment by following four simple steps from the non-profit Car Care Council.
Follow a vehicle service schedule including steps like...
Spring is one of the prime times for auto maintenance. That first wash-n-wax on a warm Saturday afternoon is liberating. Winter's gloom (to say nothing of grit and road salt) is literally washed away. Take out the snow shovel, the gloves, and...
Each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, neglected maintenance leads to more than 2,600 deaths, nearly 100,000 disabling injuries and more than $2 billion in lost wages, medical expenses and property...
Most drivers do a good job of remembering to change their car's oil, but few keep brake fluid, tires and other key systems in good working order, an AAA survey of mechanics shows.
"Vehicles are so sophisticated today that they'll...
It is that time of the year when many motorists let their vehicle “warm up” or idle before driving. In fact, today’s modern cars are ready to drive in cold temperatures without excessive idling, says the Car Care...
Don’t look now, but you’re probably about to hit another pothole.
This year’s brutal winter weather has resulted in an unprecedented number of potholes appearing on roads and highways across the country, causing considerable...
Winter is striking the nation early this year, with chilly temperatures and inches of snow catching drivers by surprise across the land. The first frost is certain to remind that winter prep is necessary, from basic servicing and stocking the...
It’s foolhardy to head out in a poorly maintained vehicle in the dead of winter, of course, but even vehicle owners in temperate zones need a car care check as the days grow shorter, note the pros with the nonprofit National Institute for...
During Brake Safety Awareness Month in August, the Car Care Council reminds motorists that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.
“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is...
With the hot summer temperatures on the rise, knowing the symptoms of a sick cooling system are critical to your summer driving plans, since cooling system failure is a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. The most noticeable symptoms are...
Now that Summer is finally here, many of us are planning to hit the road for vacation. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or a two week coast to coast trip, you want to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible during your...
The month of June seems to bring about the unofficial start of summer, and that includes road trips and vacations. But summer’s heat, dust, and stop and go traffic will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you...
It seems like this is the time of year when rain and threatening weather is a daily occurrence. And when it does rain, it usually comes down in buckets, making for dangerous driving conditions. Here are a few tips that will help you to safely...
If you have ever been in a car that has a certain smell to it, chances are there might be something mechanically wrong with the vehicle. Here are (6) vehicle warning signs that your nose might recognize as something that could spell trouble for...
As we transition from Winter into Spring, and green slowly becomes the dominant color outdoors, here are several tips that will save you a little “green” and also help the environment.
Drive Green – Recognize that...
After a winter that seemed to last 6 months, Spring is just about here. The calendar says we have “officially” arrived and the switch to Day Light Savings Time means that we have more hours of daylight when we return home.
Now...
By this time of year, most of us are sick and tired of winter. The long, dark winter days with the endless sub-freezing temperatures and record snow fall have made us look forward to the warmer temperatures of Spring. However, with these warmer...
Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens and should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual. The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way...
When severe weather hits, being stuck in your car for long periods of time can not only be an inconvenience, it can be downright dangerous. Recent winter storms in many states have caught drivers off guard, turning their normal...
It’s always best to have a plan, and here is The Car Care Council’s plan to keep your vehicle at its peak performance.
A -- Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
B -- Be sure to have your car inspected when...
Now that Winter is officially here, most of us that live in the cold weather climates can expect hazardous road conditions frequently during the season. Add to the already colder than normal temperatures with the weather forecast models...
Chances are at one time or another, you probably experienced a Check Engine Light on your vehicle’s driver information area or dashboard. Even though your car may still continue to run, do not take this warning lightly. Sometimes the fix can...
As the days get shorter, it’s a bright idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working properly so you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, advises the Car Care Council.
Lights and wipers play a...
It’s no secret your vehicle’s brakes are an essential safety system. With complex hydraulic mechanisms and plenty of parts that need replacing on a regular basis, it’s always tempting to put off your brake service as long as...
The end of Daylight Savings Time happens in most parts of the United States during the first weekend in November and creates unfamiliar driving conditions that can be hazardous without proper vehicle lighting. The Car Care Council recommends...
The internet is a breeding ground for automotive myths. Some bloggers recall the SUVs of yesteryear and declare their modern decedents to be virtually maintenance free and that anyone who says otherwise is out to rip you off.
The first...
Neglected vehicle care almost always mean higher costs down the road in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value. A routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending the vehicle life and helping avoiding costly repairs....
Obviously, motor oil is extremely important to your car. It's the lubricant that prevents excessive engine wear and is vital for the continued proper functioning of your vehicle. As you know there are many different types of oil to choose from, so...
Accidents are always stressful events, no matter how serious the results. It can be difficult to process what exactly happened during an accident and what to do when the dust has settled. Below is an immediate action guideline that could...
Each time fuel prices soar, American drivers learn the importance of fuel economy the hard way. While many consumers are downsizing into smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles, proper maintenance of your current car can save you more money than...
Getting into the habit of saving on fuel now will mean you'll be ready when gas prices start hitting the $4.00 a gallon mark again. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment on a fuel efficient vehicle, so take a look at our top 5 ways to...
If you want to avoid nasty and unexpected vehicle maintenance costs, sticking to a regimented schedule of preventive maintenance is something you are going to want to get used to. The reason is simple. Frequent maintenance will keep your car in good...
In the past few years, many car owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending upon the make and model of the vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant, trade...
Summer's extreme temperatures can destroy a vehicle's battery. Auto-Lab advises vehicle owners to have their cars' batteries tested periodically and replaced, if necessary, to avoid being stranded.
Excessive heat and overcharging shortens...
When it's hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the Car Care Council recommends having your A/C system...
Before you pack your car and hit the road for your next driving trip, we recommend conducting a pre-vehicle inspection to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home. A pre-trip vehicle suggested...
If you own a vehicle, chances are it needs some work, according to the Car Care Council, and May is the ideal time to give your car some extra attention.
The results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the...
Worn out tires and windshield wiper blades are symptoms of neglected vehicle maintenance that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during the typically rainy months of spring.
Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when...
April is National Car Care Month and time to give your car some extra attention. Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.
Check all fluids, including engine oil,...
1. Keeping your car properly tuned can increase gas mileage by 4 percent.
2. Replacing dirty air filters can improve mileage by as much as 14 percent.
3. Changing oil regularly can gain you a mile per gallon.
4. ...
People aren't going to buy cars every two or three years anymore, an automotive website says based on an unscientific poll it conducted online.
Now, 78% of the more than 4,000 people polled by AutoMD.com says they will keep their cars...
Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without major repair. Follow these easy tips to extend the life of your vehicle and schedule regular maintenance service at your local Auto-Lab.
Do not race your...
APRIL is national car care month! Give your car some extra attention this month to ensure that it runs smoothly all summer long!
The following tips are recommendations from the Car Care Council:
Check that the battery connection in your...
Cars overheat most often in very hot weather. It’s rare with modern vehicles, but even a well-tuned automobile can overheat.
If you find yourself in stop-and-go traffic or climbing a steep grade on an extremely hot day, and your...
Spring is here!! The list below contains easy tips on how to prepare your vehicle for the rising temperatures. Tips are also available daily on the Auto-Lab Facebook and Twitter pages.
Check the Tires - It's crucial to check your...
The brake fluid flush is one of the most frequently overlooked vehicle maintenance services. Many motorists simply do not realize that it is an item that should be on their maintenance list, while others seem skeptical when it is a recommended...
Visibility is a key component to safe driving, yet many individuals do not change their wiper blades as often as they should. How often is recommended? We suggest changing your wiper blade a minimum of once a year and checking them at least every 6...
Tip #1: Check Tire Pressure
We recommend checking your car tires for proper inflation at least once a month. Under or over inflated tires give your car less grip on the road and increase your chances of a flat. If you don't enjoy getting your hands...
Your vehicle needs to have different maintenance services at each mileage interval to ensure that it continues to run smoothly. Do you know what should be done for your vehicle at each service interval?
15,000 Mile Service Checklist
Oil...
Due to the popular response to last week's edition of the Auto-Lab Dashboard and the increased cost of gas prices, we would like to provide our customers with additional fuel saving tips. They are as follows:
1. Use cruise control....
In many areas of the country, fuel prices have reached $4 a gallon and continue to rise. In fact, Thursday marked 23 consecutive days of fuel price increases. In light of these recent events, Auto-Lab would like to provide our customers with some...
Learn how to keep your car battery running strong this winter so you don’t get stranded out in the cold waiting for a replacement.
Remember these winter car battery service tips for the best cold-temperature performance:
-...
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the...
