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(NewsUSA) - Each year, many Americans spend the holiday season contemplating their New Year's resolutions. Whether it's self improvement, quitting a bad habit or losing weight, a resolution can have a big impact on the year ahead. However, many people overlook vehicle maintenance, which helps protect their families, the environment and one of their biggest investments -; their vehicles.
Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends a few tips to help you start off the New Year:
- Change the oil according to your vehicle's owner's manual -; usually every three months or 3,000 miles. Prolonged driving without an oil change may cause severe engine damage.
- Check your vehicle's fluid levels, including transmission, brake, power steering, windshield washer and coolant to make sure they're properly filled. Always follow the checking procedures indicated in the owner's manual. If the fluids are low, add only enough to bring the indicators to "full" - never overfill.
- Check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month when the tires are cold. To find out if your tires are properly inflated, find the recommended air pressure listed on the sticker on the driver's-side door jamb, fuel filler lid, glove box door or trunk lid or in your owner's manual. The "Max Press" number, which appears on the sidewall of the tire, should only be used if it is the recommended pressure listed in one of the previous locations. Tires can lose one pound of pressure per square inch (psi) every month and for every 10 degree temperature drop, so it's important to check your tire pressure regularly.
- Rotate your tires according to the schedule in your vehicle's maintenance guide - approximately every 5,000 miles. Regular rotation will even out the wear patterns on your tires and increase their life.
A simple New Year's resolution to maintain your vehicle can positively affect your vehicle for many years to come. Make sure to stick it out.