OnStar offers the top ten vehicle
maintenance tips
for keeping your car in safe condition
Top
10 Car Care Tips:
1. Check tire inflation regularly. The Office of
Energy Efficiency reports that each tire that is under-inflated
by as little as 2 pounds per square inch causes a one percent
increase in fuel consumption.
2. Know your engine oil life. Today it is common for
vehicles with the GM Oil-Life System to safely travel 8,500
or more miles between oil changes, saving time, money and
a precious resource. The GM Oil Life System continuously
monitors several key engine operating conditions to determine
when the oil should be changed.
3. Maintain proper fluid levels. Have all fluids
checked regularly, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle,
and antifreeze. Fluids help to neutralize internal corrosion,
remove debris that may have accumulated and keep the vehicle's
temperature within normal range.
4. Keep your engine tuned. Worn spark plugs, old
wires, or a restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency
as much as 30 percent.
5. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your
car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm
in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend
as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster
when you drive.
6. Check battery cables and posts. Inspect battery
cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed.
The battery fluid also should be checked and filled if it
is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.
7. Inspect engine belts regularly. A poorly tuned
engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 50 percent.
Also, frayed belts can indicate incipient failure, potentially
leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
8. Check the air filtration system. Replacing a clogged
air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much
as 10 percent. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter
save gas, it will protect your engine and extend engine
life.
9. Check windshield washer blades. Examine blades
for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately
once a year or sooner if streaking begins.
10. Monitor your vehicle's maintenance schedule year-round.
Spring and Fall Car Care Months are great seasonal reminders
but there are new and easier ways to receive vehicle maintenance
reminders. Through wireless technology, OnStar offers a
monthly e-mail report, called OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics,
which sends data on four key operating systems to help 2004
and newer GM car owners decide when their car needs service
or maintenance. For example, the report links with the GM
Oil-Life System to let you know when it's time for an oil
change.
OnStar,
with more than 2.7 million subscribers, is available on
more than 50 models from General Motors and is the nation's
leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information
services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite
network and wireless technology. OnStar services include
automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle
location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance
with location, remote door unlock, GM Goodwrench remote
vehicle diagnostics, route support and convenience services.
OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive
hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide
cellular network and access a wide range of other information
services.
General
Motors Corp. is the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1908, GM
has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM
and its products can be found at www.GM.com. |