Women influence nearly 80 percent of U.S. vehicle purchases, yet only 63 percent of us know where the heck the engine air filter is, a Caravan Omnibus survey finds. In honor of National Car Care Month, get car smart and save big.
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Time tune-ups. Avoid too many oil changes and stash up to $76 yearly, says Joye Griffin, a Jiffy Lube franchisee in Kaysville, Utah. Freeway drivers in mild climates need servicing only every 7,500 miles. If you sit in stop-and-go traffic or live in an extreme climate, head in every 3,700 miles.
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Guzzle less gas. Maintain proper tire pressure to improve gas mileage by up to 3 percent; use the right motor oil grade to improve it by 1 to 2 percent; lighten your load (ditch the golf clubs) to save 2 percent. That's a yearly savings of $470.
Heed warning signs. A check-engine light may signal emissions trouble'Äîyou could be burning 40 percent more fuel. Talk about highway robbery! Squeaky brakes that go without fixing could make a simple $200 pad replacement morph into a $2,000 repair, says Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, an auto pro in Lancaster, New York. Price service centers at ASAShop.org, then bring in your ride, pronto.
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Make like a mechanic. Getting your hands dirty could save you hundreds, says Fix, who notes anyone can replace wiper blades or install an air filter. Visit the DIY channel at AutoZone.com for how-
to help. Car-ching!
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