October has many designations, including a niche "honor" as National Car Care Month.
In conjunction with the designation, Ownersite Technolgies of Roswell, Ga., manufacturer of a web-based tool that simplifies vehicle maintenance recordkeeping, is offering drivers tips for increasing their vehicles' reliability, safety, performance and value.
Here are the top-five tips:
* Change the Oil. It's the lifeblood of the engine and it keeps all the parts moving smoothly, yet 30 percent of operating vehicles have some problem with motor oil, according to the Car Care Council (CCC). Regular oil changes improve engine performance and longevity.
* Check your Tires. The two key tools are a tire pressure gauge and a quarter. Under-or over-inflated tires lead to reduced tire life and gas mileage. Such problems affect more that 21 percent of vehicles, according to the CCC. And the experts at The Tire Rack recommend dipping a quarter, headfirst, between the treads to check your tread depth. If the treads don't reach the top of Washington's head, it's time to replace the tires.
* Replace wiper blades. About 17 percent of operating vehicles need new wiper blades, reports the CCC. Unfortunately, most drivers don't find out about their bad wiper blades until it's too late.
* Inspect Lights. The CCC reports 13 percent vehicles have a problem with at least one rear or side light. Drivers should check all the lights on the car regularly. Keeping them all in check increases safety and saves the aggravation of a ticket in some states.
* Keep it Clean. Appearance aside, regular car washes help protect the car's finish, prolonging body life. The International Car Wash Association also recommends keeping the undercarriage clean, as road grime and winter road salt can lead to rust around the wheel wells and door sills.
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