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November 2006
Car Care Tops List of
Thanksgiving Preparations
BETHESDA, MD – As Americans get
ready for Thanksgiving, car care tops the list of pre-holiday
preparations, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care
Council.
Both men and women say they are more
likely to make sure the car taking them to Thanksgiving dinner is
prepared for the trip (66 percent) than they are to iron tablecloths
(18 percent) or polish silver (12 percent) in advance of the holiday
meal.
“Proper car care is important at
all times, but is particularly critical during the busiest travel
season of the year,” said Rich White, spokesman for the Car Care
Council. “Yet, despite good intentions, the majority of motorists
do not always follow through. The ‘Be Car Care Aware’ education
campaign was launched to encourage drivers to perform proper vehicle
maintenance.
“Our survey found that 86 percent
of drivers believe regular car maintenance is extremely important
for their own and their passengers’ safety and 85 percent of
drivers cite dependability as a highly important characteristic for
the vehicles they drive,” said White. “Yet, National Car Care
Month vehicle inspections showed that nearly four out of five cars
had one or more systems, products, or fluids that needed to be
repaired or replaced.”
With millions Americans planning to
travel by motor vehicle for the Thanksgiving holiday, it is
important to act on good intentions and make sure cars are
well-maintained to ensure vehicle safety and dependability and to
avoid costly repairs.
As part of the ‘Be Car Care
Aware” campaign, the Council recommends the following
pre-Thanksgiving tasks be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or
professional auto technician:
- Check the coolant (antifreeze);
coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years in most
vehicles.
- Check the owner’s manual to see
if your driving habits are considered “severe,” and if so,
have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3,000 miles;
consider changing to a “winter weight: oil if you live in a
cold climate.
- Check the battery and exhaust
system.
- Be certain the heater and
defroster are working properly.
- Keep the gas tank at least half
full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas
lines and possibly freezing.
- Check tire tread depth and tread
pressure; consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem
in your area.
- Check to see that lights work and
headlights are properly aimed.
- Replace wiper blades every six
months; consider special now blades if the weather dictates.
- Be prepared for an emergency with
the following items in your trunk: ice scraper, windshield de-icer,
flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches,
bottled water, snacks, necessary medications and a first-aid
fit.
The Car Care Council is the source of
information for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, educating
consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and
repair. For more information visit http://www.carcare.org
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