Car Maintenance Tips

Wednesday

Car Maintenance Tips That Pay Off Big

One popular myth is that you should change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, but with advancements in oil and vehicle technology, oil change intervals have also improved, according to Jay Rosenthal, a Jiffy Lube owner and operator in Mercer County, New Jersey

 "Some cars can go as long as 5,000 miles, even 7,500 miles between oil changes, but you have to consult your owner's manual," says Rosenthal.

 Next tip: Choose the gasoline that gives you the most miles per dollar, according to Mike Allen, senior automotive editor at Popular Mechanics. "Almost any car made since 1996 will in fact run just fine on regular," says Allen. "If your car does, in fact, call for the use of 91 octane premium in the owner's manual, it might very well do pretty good on 89 or 87 [octane], which is a lot less expensive."

Finally, keep a close eye on your check engine light, which usually turns on when a gas cap is loose, so, if you notice the light coming on about three miles after a fill-up, check that part of the car first. Then, make sure you hear three clicks when you're tightening the cap back up.

 

Allen suggests investing in a code reader device, which detects what your car's computer thinks is wrong when the check engine light turns on.The device ranges in price, but they can be as low as $30 and are usually no more than $100. Some common manufacturers of code readers include Actron, AutoXray and Equus. You can find the devices at general stores, like Walmart, or auto stores.

He also adds that instead of buying one, some mechanics will let you borrow the reader while you're at the repair shop.

A final tip for cleaning your car: Wash beyond the surface. Salt deposits from the road can eventually rust the car from underneath, so it's really important to clean thoroughly.