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(NUI) - With a typical family spending a large part of its annual household budget on motor vehicle-related expenses, this much is true: Proper car care is an opportunity to save money.
According to AAA, the average annual cost of owning and operating a new car is just over $7,500. This is nearly 15 percent of the average family's annual income of $54,000. Families with two cars pay even more.
With so much money going toward automotive expenses, AAA has designated October as the time for a vehicle and tire checkup. The auto club also provides free inspections whenever members bring their vehicles to a AAA-approved shop for repair or maintenance.
"It's easy to help safeguard this important investment and protect against hazardous breakdowns," said John Nielsen, director, AAA Repair Network. "At least once per year, a professional (technician) can determine if any maintenance or repairs have been overlooked."
AAA recommends having your vehicle - and especially the tires - inspected at a AAA-approved repair facility. AAA-approved repair facilities - whether independently owned or operated by car dealerships - are regularly inspected by auto club personnel. AAA approval is a public service and means the shop consistently demonstrates honesty, customer satisfaction and quality workmanship.
When having your vehicle inspected, AAA offers the following tips:
* Inspect the tires. Regardless of vehicle age or mileage, wear and underinflation occur in most tires. It's important to check your tires at least once a year and before any trip.
* Check the brakes. If the vehicle has more than 30,000 miles on the odometer, or it has been more than 30,000 miles since the last brake job, it's time to have your brakes inspected and possibly serviced.
* Replace the wiper blades. Inclement weather can occur anytime, anywhere. Be prepared by having new windshield wiper blades installed.
* Monitor the level and condition of oil. Change the oil if it has been more than 7,000 miles since the last oil change. Keep in mind that older vehicles will need more frequent oil changes.
* Check the coolant. Flush and refill engine coolant if it has been more than three years since the last coolant change.
For the names and locations of AAA-approved shops and for more information about car maintenance, log on to www.aaa.com.