Auto Care Pulse

Automotive Tip

Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

Automotive Tip

Protect the interior plastic by parking the vehicle in the shade, using a window deflector screen, and applying a UV protectant to prevent the plastic and vinyl from drying out.

Automotive Tip

Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles, or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles. To check coolant level, turn the car off and wait for the engine to cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators.

Automotive Tip

Vehicle maintenance isn't just an important way to extend your vehicle's life -- it's a major safety issue. If your vehicle is unsafe, your service tech will let you know what you need to do to fix it.

Automotive Tips

When changing a bad bulb, clean dirty or corroded sockets with fine steel wool or a small wire brush. Wipe the socket clean of debris before installing the new light bulb.

Automotive Tip

Use Headlights When Needed - Headlights aren't just necessary at night. When you are driving in the rain or fog, turning on your headlights can play an important role in keeping you - and those around you - safe on the road.

Automotive Tip

Lose the Junk - Every 100 pounds you remove improves economy by 1 to 2 percent, so clear our your trunk and your backseat before you leave home. Both of them are preferable to a loaded-down roof rack, however, which can fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.