Car Care Awareness Spring Campaign

Are you Car Care Aware? April is National Car Care Awareness Month and that means taking a few extra steps to ensure your vehicle is in good operation. Critical attention must be paid to the systems that keep the vehicle operating cleanly and efficiently. The check engine light or CEL is one of the most important indicators of how your vehicle is functioning. If it is illuminated, it must be investigated because it means your vehicle is potentially polluting more than it should, affecting regional air quality for all of us. It can also cost you more money the longer you wait for repairs as more components and parts start to break down. Another obvious sign of vehicle trouble is visible smoke emitting from the tailpipe. Not only does that smoke make it harder to breathe, but it is also may be a sign the vehicle needs attention and repair.

Before those April showers can bring May flowers, you may have to drive through some wet weather. Make sure your windshield wipers are doing their job and are not brittle and hard to the touch. Wipers should be replaced if they leave streaks as they wipe, affecting visibility. While your tires may be doing their job when it is dry, worn treads can seriously impact a car’s ability to stop in the rain. If your tread depth is less than 4/32”, you should consider replacing the tires. Also, if you hear squeaking brakes, that is your vehicle’s way of telling you that there may be an issue that needs attention.

Stay safe and remember to be Car Care Aware! For more car care tips and check engine light information, visit www.ntxcarcare.org.