Time to Change Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filter

Before winter sets in is a good time to check your cabin air filter, after it’s been working hard all spring, summer and fall. Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens, andshould be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual.

The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle’s air conditioning and heating and ventilation systems. The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

Tire Safety: Check Your Tires for Wear and Tear

It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve gas mileage and performance.

The penny test is a simple, yet effective, way to check tire tread. If you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, you are ready for new tires. Tires are critical to a vehicle’s handling and traction, and maintaining proper pressure is vitally important to vehicle safety. Underinflated tires are under stress and will wear unevenly, causing them to need to be replaced sooner. Routinely checking tire balance and wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves handling, and increases fuel economy.

Happy New Year!!

A Resolution You Should Keep: Be Car Care Aware

To be car care aware, the council recommends incorporating the following service interval schedule items as part of your New Year”s resolution:

• Perform monthly checks of tire pressure and the condition of tires, lights and windshield washer fluid. The vehicle should also be cleaned monthly.
• Every three months or per the owner”s manual, check the engine oil and filter, check the levels of other fluids including automatic transmission, power steering and brake, and check the battery and cables, belts and hoses. The exhaust and fuel filter should also be checked at this interval.
• Every six months or 6,000 miles, the chassis lubrication should be checked and windshield wipers should be replaced.
• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, coolant and steering and suspension should be checked.

Holidays Tip

If you're traveling by car this Holiday Season, ensure your vehicle is in good running order for the trip by checking belts, hoses, air pressure, fluid levels and windshield wipers. Contact your auto club, the state police agency or highway patrol regarding road closings or conditions.

Vehicle Warning Lights

Safety on the road is no accident. For example, when a warning light illuminates on a car’s dashboard, it is alerting you to a situation that requires your attention. While not all warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator should ever be ignored.

Oil Pressure Light

The oil pressure light is usually an oilcan symbol , although on older vehicles it may be a light with the word “OIL.” It comes on when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on, pull off the road at the first safe opportunity, shut off the engine and call for assistance.

Engine Temperature Light

The engine temperature light is usually a thermometer symbol, although in older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “TEMP.” It comes on when the engine temperature is above the recommended maximum. Unless the temperature is quickly brought under control, major engine damage is likely to occur.

If there are any signs of a cooling system leak, pull off the road at the earliest safe opportunity, shut off the engine and call for assistance. Be careful when opening the hood in the presence of steam, and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

Charging System Light

The charging system light is usually a battery symbol, although on older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “ALT” or “GEN.” It comes on when the vehicle electrical system is no longer being supplied power by the alternator.

If this light comes on, shut down all unnecessary electrical loads such as the radio, heater or air-conditioning, and then drive the vehicle to a repair facility immediately for further inspection.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light comes on when there is a problem affecting the vehicle’s exhaust emissions. If the light comes on and stays on, make an appointment with an auto repair shop to have the problem checked in the near future.

However, if the check engine light begins flashing repeatedly, the catalytic converter is overheating. Should this occur, drive the vehicle to a repair shop immediately for further diagnosis. Disregarding a flashing check engine light could start a fire, destroy the catalytic converter and result in necessary repairs that could easily exceed $1,000.

Are Your Brakes Trying to Tell You Something?

If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay attention. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you suspect any problems.

While an annual brake inspection is a good way to ensure brake safety, motorists should not ignore signs that their brakes need attention. Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.

Motorists shoul look for the following warning signs that their brakes need to be inspected:

• Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
• Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
• Low Pedal: brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
• Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.
• Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.
• Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.
• Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Because brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle, they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Be sure to avoid letting brakes get to the ‘metal-to-metal’ point as that can mean expensive rotor or drum replacement.