| With fears of global warming, the care of our | | | | or will possibly help increase the value of |
| environment is continually becoming more of a | | | | your car if you plan on selling it. |
| concern for all. Vehicle owners are no | | | | |
| exception, and in all actuality have more to | | | | Included in this schedule should be: oil, |
| consider than those without a vehicle. | | | | transmission fluid and radiator coolant |
| Controlling what goes into your vehicle and | | | | checks and changes, air conditioner checks, |
| what comes out, and how much goes in and out, | | | | fuel, air and oil filter checks and changes, |
| comes with the responsibility of owning a | | | | and finally, belt and hose checks. |
| vehicle. | | | | |
| | | | Depending on your tire quality, check your |
| Basic vehicle maintenance will help the | | | | tire PSI often. Tires with low inflation are |
| overall well being of your car, but will also | | | | dangerous, but also require your car to use |
| help the environment. Maintenance on your | | | | more fuel. |
| vehicle should not be done just when the | | | | |
| "Check Engine" light appears. Maintenance | | | | Many places in the U.S. require emission |
| follows three timelines: one-time only, | | | | testing for your vehicle. The discovery of a |
| several times a year and regularly. Upon | | | | failing emissions system can mean a decreased |
| ownership of your vehicle, make the one-time | | | | fuel efficiency of up to 7 percent. Keep two |
| purchase of a high quality gas cap and make a | | | | things in mind about your vehicle's emission. |
| one time read through the vehicle's owner | | | | First, it is illegal to take out or damage |
| manual. Although you probably have more | | | | any part of the emission system in your |
| exciting things to do then read a manual, it | | | | vehicle. Be cautious when making muffler |
| will be worth your time. Mark the pages that | | | | enhancements on your vehicle as this could |
| you might find helpful in the future. If you | | | | potentially affect the main emissions system. |
| are purchasing a previously owned car and the | | | | Second, catalytic converters have laws |
| manual is not with the car, many manuals can | | | | pertaining to the warranty, mileage and year |
| be found on the Internet. | | | | of vehicle. Be sure you and your mechanic |
| | | | abide to these laws when making repairs or |
| Talk with your general maintenance person, | | | | replacements. |
| such as the person who typically changes your | | | | |
| oil. Do they have any maintenance schedule | | | | Contact the EPA if you have questions about |
| suggestions as to what should be done when? | | | | these laws. The person running your emissions |
| Creating a maintenance schedule and keeping | | | | test should also be able to assist you with |
| track of everything you have had done on your | | | | questions pertaining to your vehicle's |
| vehicle is good for solving future problems | | | | emission system. |