Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

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A 10-minute checkup of such items
as belts, hoses and tires can save

The Car Care Council’s website — www.carcarecouncil.org — offers these suggestions to travelers:

Check all fluids. There are several fluids, that require attention, including antifreeze, engine oil, windshield washer solvent and power steering, brake and transmission fluids.

Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition should be replaced.

Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

“While a last minute checkup is better than no checkup, motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility. A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps,” said Rich White, executive director of the council.

Not only can a pre-trip inspection help reduce chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made at home with one’s own technician who knows the vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind.

While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

—Copley News Service

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