Simple Vehicle Maintenance Saves You Money
 By Patrick L. Wynne

In an effort to save a few bucks, some people are putting off important maintenance on their cars and trucks.

Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Performing preventive maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Read your owner’s manual
This is the first step in scheduling preventive maintenance. The manual tells you how often to change the oil, fluids, timing belt, hoses and a host of other parts.

Lost your old car’s manual somewhere along the road? Search online. Many auto manufacturers have posted their vehicle manuals on corporate or dealership websites.

It’s frequently less expensive to replace parts before—rather than after—they break. So, follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the manual.

Change your oil
Do it regularly, even if it does sometimes feel like an inconvenience. And use oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Do the same with your antifreeze.

Freshen up the fluids
Besides oil and antifreeze, your vehicle uses fluids for the brakes, power steering and transmission. Old fluids can break down, causing damage to parts and performance.

To make matters worse, your vehicle warranty may be voided if you don’t change the fluids as directed in the vehicle manual.

Inspect hoses
Cold weather can cause hoses to split and crack. Hot weather can stress hoses, too. And it’s a given that a weak hose will spring a leak or break completely at the most inconvenient time and place.

Have your hoses inspected each time you change the oil. Replace them the moment they show signs of wear.

Check your battery
Who wants the hassle and expense of replacing an unexpected dead battery? If your battery is more than three years old, ask a mechanic to test its ability to hold a charge. If it fails the test, spring for a new battery.

Replace the timing belt
Many vehicles produced in the last 20 years have timing belts. And those belts need to be changed on a regularly-scheduled basis.

Some timing belts require changing every 60,000 miles. Others can go for more miles. Your owner’s manual will give you the specifics.

Tempted to push your luck and overlook the timing belt? Don’t.

If a timing belt breaks, it can cause extensive—and expensive—damage to other engine parts.

3 ways AFS can help
Use these AFS benefits to save on car costs.

1. Auto Coupon Book
This booklet gives you more than $1,000 in valuable offers for automobile care products and services from auto service suppliers across the U.S. and Canada. Save on oil changes, tune-ups and other routine maintenance items. Plus, save on repairs, parts, batteries, tires, brakes, mufflers, shocks and more at nationwide service centers such as Jiffy Lube™, Meineke®, Firestone® and Maaco®.

2. Auto Insurance
AFS Members may qualify for special program rates on auto insurance from Travelers. Low, competitive rates are available. Plus, enjoy convenient payment options and a 24-hour claim reporting hotline.

3. Emergency Roadside Assistance
The Association Motor Plan Emergency Road Service gives you hassle-free help when you need it most—24 hours a day, anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The service provides coverage up to $125 per even if your vehicle becomes disabled and services are performed by a commercial garage, locksmith or wrecker. Reimbursable services include:

• Tire change and fuel delivery
• Jump start and towing
• Lockout service
• Winching out

(Posted October 2010)

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