Caring for Your Vehicle May Make It Last 328,000+ Miles

SAN DIEGO, CA, Oct 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
Can you imagine driving your vehicle more than 328,219 miles? The
Automobile Club of Southern California's Steve Moxley can because he's
followed a regular vehicle maintenance schedule for his 1985 Nissan truck
which he drives 1,000+ miles a month.

Moxley is the second owner of his vehicle, inheriting the blue truck from
his father when the vehicle had 60,000 miles... That means that the
younger Moxley still put 268,000 miles on the truck.

How does he do it?

"It's simply perfect fluid maintenance," said Moxley, of the Auto Club's
AAA Approved Auto Repair Program. "I'm religious about changing the oil
regularly and also keeping the brake and transmission fluids clean. Proper
maintenance on a regular schedule is also critical to safe operation of a
vehicle as well as the safety of the driver and passengers," Moxley added.

You can, too, if you start caring for your car beginning this month during
AAA Car Care Month when the AAA Car Care package is offered at a special
value price.

Below is a fluid maintenance list that Moxley follows, according to the
Auto Club.

1. Engine Oil

Without an adequate supply of clean oil, your engine will wear more
rapidly and could even seize or be destroyed. Oil doesn't freeze like
water, but its viscosity, or thickness, does increase as the mercury
drops. Lighter grade oils reduce the load on your car's battery and
starter, allowing more rapid cranking and starting. Lighter oils also
reach critical engine lubrication areas much quicker than heavier oils,
greatly reducing wear.

Change your engine's oil and oil filter at the specified intervals, and
follow the more frequent "severe service" recommendations if your driving
habits meet any of the conditions described in your owner's manual. Always
use the weight of oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer for the
existing temperature conditions.

2. Brake Fluid

The fluid in your car's brake hydraulic system transfers your foot
pressure at the brake pedal into stopping power at the wheels. An
adequate supply of clean brake fluid is absolutely essential for safe
vehicle operation. Old, moisture-contaminated brake fluid, or a low fluid
level that allows air to enter the system, can lead to brake fade or a
complete loss of braking power.

Inspect the brake fluid level at every oil change. If the level has fallen
below the "low" mark on the fluid reservoir, it usually indicates major
brake wear or a leak somewhere in the system; have the brakes inspected as
soon as possible. Your brake fluid should be clear, if it's not, it likely
needs to be flushed.

3. Transmission Fluid

Improvements in transmission fluid have increased its expected life. New
cars don't need fluid level checks or adding fluid, since fluid is going
to last the car's life span.

Check the owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended replacement
schedule, and frequently requires the replacement of a filter as well.
Understanding the schedule protects your transmission from premature
failure and also eliminates an unnecessary fluid change.

Severe driving conditions such commuting in Southern California can
shorten transmission fluid's life. A dark brown color, accompanied by a
burnt smell, is an indicator that the fluid needs to be changed and/or
flushed.

4. Anti-freeze

Anti-freeze contains additives that prevent corrosion in the cooling
system. When these additives come to the end of their lives, wear and
corrosion begin. Sediment builds up in the cooling system, causing a loss
of cooling ability. Flushing is required for proper operation.

Many new cars come with anti-freeze designed to last four or five years,
but the ordinary product found in most auto parts stores is good for only
two years. It's important to know what type of anti-freeze you have so you
can avoid spending money unnecessarily to replace it.

Inspect the anti-freeze/coolant level and condition, making sure the
proper mixture of water and coolant is used according to specifications
in the owner's manual.

5. Power Steering Fluid

Inspect power steering fluid for proper level and condition. Low power
steering fluid can cause damage to the power steering system and dirty and
or burnt power steering fluid can lead to premature power steering
failure.

6. Windshield Washer Fluid

Don't leave home without fresh windshield wiper blades and the "forgotten"
fluid, windshield washer fluid. Fresh blades and windshield washer fluid
will help to remove road dirt and insects from your windshield. Use
pre-mixed fluid, not water from a garden hose. The pre-mixed fluid won't
harm exterior vehicle paint.

Contact:
Elaine Beno/Jeff Spring
(714) 885-2333

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