Make every driving dollar count with these safety and saving suggestions:
Work the Web or become more Web-savvy. A wealth of research about vehicle ownership and enjoyment can be found online. AAA.com is a good place to start.
Preventative car care can help protect both your safety and the investment made in your vehicle.
Develop a relationship with your automotive technician. This is extremely important. Your technician is as important to your vehicle's health as your doctor is to yours.
Locate the recommended tire pressures either in your owner’s manual or on the placard on the doorjamb.
Use a tire pressure gauge at least once a month to check pressure when your tires are cool.
Make sure your tires have adequate tread depth; it’s critical for optimal traction and maneuverability.
When replacing tires, it’s best to replace all four at once. If you only replace two at a time, make sure to put the new tires on the rear of the vehicle.
Find and use the correct maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This can be found in the owners manual or, now, most electronic management systems at your local repair facility can provide this information for you.
Monitor and change your engine’s oil and oil filter at the manufacturer's specified intervals, and be sure to follow the more frequent "severe service" recommendations if your driving habits meet any of the conditions described in the owner’s manual.
Always use motor oils that meet the service classification and viscosity grade requirements established by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Regularly wash and wax your vehicle so bugs and grime don’t have a chance to prematurely age the paint.
At least once a month, do a walk-around inspection of your vehicle’s lighting systems. In addition to the basic running lights and side markers, make sure the headlights work on both low- and high-beam and check for proper operation of the brake lights and turn signals.
Get your car detailed. It can make your car more valuable, look newer longer and increase your satisfaction with it.
Check your car’s wiper blades periodically and clean them every few weeks with a soft cloth or paper towel dampened with windshield washer fluid. If they’re worn, cracked or rigid, the wipers will not adequately remove the rain, grime, and other debris that can easily compromise your vision.
Keep the washer fluid reservoir full. Check the washer fluid monthly and top it off with a washer solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris. During winter months, use a wiper washer solution with antifreeze protection.
Check the coolant level at every oil change. With a cold engine, the radiator should be completely full and the coolant level in the remote reservoir should be at or above the "cold" level marking. Have the system flushed and refilled with fresh coolant at the interval specified in the vehicle owner’s manual. Always top off the system with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to avoid altering the antifreeze level.
Inspect the brake fluid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen below the "low" mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system; have the brakes inspected as soon as possible.
If you hear any change at all in the sound of your vehicle’s exhaust, have the system inspected immediately for leaks. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
Find the station with the lowest prices by visiting Fuel Price Finder on AAA.com. Enter any city, state or ZIP code to find the best prices near you.
Save money by using the grade of fuel (regular, mid-grade, premium) recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Premium fuel does not "contain more energy," nor is it somehow "better for your engine."
If your battery is more than a couple of years old, have its condition tested annually.
If your vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than a couple of times after hitting a bump, have the shock absorbers inspected for wear and leakage.
Don’t waste your money on "fuel saving" additives or devices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested hundreds of such devices over the years, and has not identified even one that offers a cost-effective benefit. Modern computer engine controls "tune" the power train continuously as you drive to obtain maximum efficiency.
With the exception of adding a quality fuel injection cleaner to your tank every few thousand miles, avoid the use of fuel and oil additives. No vehicle manufacturer recommends the use of such products.
Get traffic and construction reports online at AAA.com. Avoid time- and gas-consuming delays when you're on the road.
If you're taking a trip, consider renting a vehicle. A rental car or van can provide extra room and also eliminate wear and tear on your own vehicle or excess miles on a leased vehicle. AAA Members receive discounts and other benefits on Hertz® rentals.
Never load or obscure vision points in your vehicle.
Always wear your seat belts and ensure that every child in your vehicle is safely seated in a child passenger safety seat appropriate for the child’s size and weight. Ask your AAA club about guidelines in safety seat sizes and proper installation.
When traveling with children, involve them in the trip planning, and provide them with activity books, puzzles, games and maps that are age-appropriate to help them enjoy the time spent in the car.
Address accessibility issues in advance if you have a traveler with disabilities. AAA TourBook® guides list someone accessibility features such as wheelchair access and equipment for the hearing impaired for all lodgings and restaurants. AAA’s Barrier-Free Travel guides give more detailed information about theme parks, shopping and other points of interest.
Before you hit the highway, weigh the pros and cons of taking your pet with you. The AAA PetBook® guide reviews travel options and lists more than 10,000 AAA-rated, pet-friendly lodgings.
Keep your gas tank full, doors locked, windows up, safety belts buckled and your children properly fastened in safety seats.
Travel with a cell phone, and keep it with you at all times. If possible, pre-program the toll-free AAA roadside assistance number (1-800-AAA-HELP) into your phone as well as 9-1-1.
Keep an onboard emergency kit that contains a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, water, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher.
Keep your AAA Membership up to date and always have your card with you on the road. It is the key to obtaining roadside assistance should you have a breakdown.
Provide new drivers with a gift membership when they receive their operator’s license. Consider a parent-teen driving contract that dictates responsibilities and expectations.
Purchase a vehicle with your future needs in mind.
Before you enter your vehicle, perform a "walk-around." Check behind and underneath your vehicle for obstructions, and examine your tires as well.
Secure all loose items with the vehicle. In a crash situation, loose items can become deadly projectiles. Think of your pets, too, and consider safety harnesses.
Be careful to choose a certified driving school that meets your needs and the needs of your family. Check to see if the school is approved by AAA and ask if this class qualifies you for an insurance discount. To refresh your skills, visit AAA.com and the I Drive Safely program.
Be sure to grip the wheel with both hands, using a symmetrical grip. Sit upright, with your chest at least 10-12" from the steering wheel. Make sure you maintain a bend in the elbows.
Be sure to maintain a following distance of at least 3-4 seconds.
Always adjust your speed to match road conditions.
Source: AAA Michigan
Prestige Imports • 2919 29th St. • Grand Rapids, MI • 616-957-4661
