October is National Car Care Month
By Cathy Reichow
October is National Car Care Month, and it is a great time to remember the benefits of driving a well-maintained vehicle. Owners who maintain their vehicles can be proud of their safe and dependable cars that will be more economical to operate. Fuel efficiency and reduced emission go hand and hand.

According to Car Care Council statistics, four out of five vehicles on the road need maintenance. During the month of October, you can make a special effort to start maintaining your vehicle on a regular schedule. Visit www.carcare.org for a free service interval schedule from the Car Care Council.

At times, finding a competent auto repair professional can be challenging. The Automotive Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a few tips for finding good repair establishments:
• Start shopping for an auto repair shop before you need one.
• Ask your friends and co-workers for their recommendations.
• The facility should be well organized with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, and there should be modern equipment in the bays.
• The staff should be courteous, and a service consultant should be available to answer all of your questions.
• Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees and guarantees.
• Ask if the repair facility specializes in or usually handles your type of repair work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community or customer service awards.
• There should be evidence of qualified technicians. Look for: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced courses and ASE certification.
• Look for the “ASE” sign.

Facilities with a high percentage of ASE Certified Professionals may also be members of the elite Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program.

Last, but not least, here are a few reminders to save you important dollars at the gas pump:
• Slow down! As your speed increases, your fuel mileage decreases. Try driving the speed limit for a few days. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference it makes.
• Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires are the most common cause of poor fuel mileage. Over time and temperature changes, your tires lose air. Low tires have more rolling resistance, which equates to burning more fuel.
• Change your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause a restriction in air flow to the engine. Air filters are simple to check and change. To check the filter, hold your old filter up to a light–if you can’t see through it, replace it with a new one.
• And, finally, clean out your car! Excess weight in your vehicle reduces gas mileage and can cost you at the pump.

Cathy Reichow and her husband, Dan, own Dan R's Automotive Inc. at 4041 Navarre Avenue in Oregon, Ohio. You can contact Cathy or Dan at 1-888-697-5399 or visit their website: www.danrsauto.com.