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