April is National Car Care Month - Be Car Care Aware - Lauren Fix

294 views · Published 21 April 2015 · 3:38 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Car Coach Reports · 2015 · Autos & Vehicles

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The never-ending winter is finally over and at long last, spring is here! The extreme temperatures we’ve experienced this season have really taken a toll on our cars. April is National Car Care Month, the perfect time to get your car back into shape and ready for spring driving and summer road trips. Follow these 3 simple tips and save money too!

Tip #1 – Do It Yourself – Save Money
Now that the temperatures are rising, you’re probably contemplating a trip to a home improvement store for your home and garden needs. If you’re a serious DIYer, spring is also the perfect time to purchase products you will need for your next brake job, such as brake cleaners, which are formulated to quickly and effectively remove brake dust, brake fluids, oils, and other contaminants from brake parts, lining and pads. CRC Brakleen degreases instantly – and is instantly dry. It really does magic! No work involved, just spray and gently wipe.

The Battery Tender 12-Volt Charger is designed to bring a battery back up to a full charge and then maintain it at 100% indefinitely. It’s ideal for any automotive need—motorcycles, cars, trucks, RV’S, lawn mowers, ATVS, classic cars and generators. I use a Battery Tender on my collector cars too.

The Home Depot has the all these automotive products and more. They’ve recently updated their automotive section with products to maintain both your vehicle’s function and appearance, including additives, accessories, and everything needed for an oil change.  Some of the other essential items you’ll find are tire inflation products and emergency kits.

Tip #2 – Save money with the right tire pressure!
As the potholes get larger, they become a safety risk and can take a chunk out of your wallet. The first line of pothole defense is proper tire inflation. Low tire pressure can cause bulges or blisters to the tires’ sidewalls and even dent the wheel. Remember to check your tire pressure once a month to get the most life from your tires, best handling and safety.

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is found in the gas door, glove box or the placard inside the door jamb. Check the tires when they’re cold because tire pressures increases while driving. Never use the number on your tire. 

Tip #3 – Check the wear of your tires, inspect the tread!
One way to check tire tread is to insert a penny into the tire groove with Lincoln’s head down. If the top of the head is showing above the tread you need new tires.

If you find that your tires need to be replaced, don’t skimp! The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is a great tire for true, year-round traction. This tire includes SportPlus Technology which is designed for precise handling; security on wet, slippery roads; and excellent tread life.

Their Quick View Indicators put ease into the consumer’s tire inspection. The Tuned Performance Indicators (D, W, S letters) indicate the tire’s optimal performance levels in Dry, Wet and Snow. Plus, the Alignment Verification System provides an early warning system to alert drivers to have their vehicle’s alignment checked.

I personally tested the abilities of the ExtremeContact DWS06 tires compared to other known brands on a test track. The results were impressive. The traction was best-in-class for wet handling and braking, so much that you instantly can feel the difference.  We then put the tires through the paces on dry condition, and again the tires stood out as an improvement over other tires on the market. Any driver can feel more confident on wet and dry roads and know they are safer. A fun fact is that Continental Tire is working on making tires out of dandelions. They are just now producing test tires and are hoping to have them out in 5-10 years.

Spring is the time to schedule the repairs your car has accrued during the winter months.

So how much can a repair actually cost you?  It’s not a secret anymore! A website called RepairPal.com has a free estimator tool that you can use to check the fair market price for specific repairs. Now you never have to wonder if you are getting ripped off. The certified mechanics listed on RepairPal.com go through a rigorous approval processes that only 1 out of 10 mechanics are likely to pass. Plus all certified mechanics honor those fair prices, or they will refund you the difference. Visit their website to find participating repair shops near you.

Tip #5 – Wash your car!
When salt, sand or brine is on the road, washing your car is the major factor in combating corrosion and maintaining the value of your car. 

Be Car Care Aware
The Car Care Council’s FREE personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle throughout the year. “Be Car Care Aware” and get your free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide.

For more information on maintaining your car all year round, visit Lauren Fix, The Car Coach’s website at www.laurenfix.com.

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