April 19, 2011 • Page 14 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Preventative Maintenance for Your Car Many motorists bemoan the myriad costs associated with owning a vehicle. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price for a new car in the United States is slightly more than $28,000. But as any vehicle owner knows, that sticker price is only the beginning. The cost of maintaining a vehicle and keeping it on the road is not exactly insignificant. As the economy begins to rebound, a good percentage of motorists have resolved to keep their vehicles on the road longer in an effort to stretch their automobile dollars. That's a sound resolution, and one that is not necessarily difficult to accom- plish. Contrary to popular belief, cars are built to last, and it's often a driver's poor habits that reduce a car's life expectancy as opposed to the vehicle manufacturer's product. Drivers can lengthen a vehicle's lifespan by employing preventive maintenance that should keep a car running strong for years to come. AIR FILTER When examining the vehicle's air filter (check the vehicle manual for location), look for dirt or dust buildup. If the filter is filthy, simply replace it. Auto parts stores sell air filters, and most drivers shouldn't have trouble replacing a filter by themselves. A dirty air filter can negatively effect fuel econo- A few things Larry taught us: 1) Sewage doesn’t run up hill 2) Payday is on Friday 3) Always call Larry’s Plumbing Larry’s Plumbing • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Septic Tank Pumping • Repair & Remodel • Backhoe Service 703 Burleigh, Yankton • 665-4322 my and make it seem as though a vehicle is constantly going uphill in a stiff wind. When a dirty air filter is replaced, drivers will notice an instant impact in how the car drives and are likely to save a few dollars at the filling station as well. BELTS AND HOSES Issues with belts or hoses are often recognizable to the naked eye, regardless of a driver's automotive skill. A hose in poor condition can appear bulging or brittle, and should not feel too soft or too hard. If a hose exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it. A belt that's worn or frayed should also be replaced. BRAKE FLUID One of the more expen- sive repair jobs on a vehicle is to replace the brakes. Brakes will need to be replaced over the course of a vehicle's lifespan, but drivers should routinely check the vehicle's brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, the brakes' lifespan decreases dramatically. Checking the brake fluid is easy; simply look in the owner's manual to find brake fluid reservoir and remove the lid (some vehicles might require the lid be unscrewed). The reservoir will likely have instructions on the inside advising how much brake fluid should be added. If the fluid is below the line of demarcation, add fluid up to that line. But be careful not to overfill. Check the brake fluid levels on a It’s not just a body shop, its... Justra’s monthly basis. Oil change guidelines have changed dramatically thanks to better cars and more reliable motor oils. But it still helps to check motor oil levels after every fill up. If motor oil levels are low, add more oil. If oil is significantly low after each fill up, consult a mechanic just to be safe. EXHAUST Once a year, be it at a routine tune up or should repair work be necessary, ask your mechanic to check the vehicle's emissions. Failing an emissions test might be against the law, and a failed test could be indicative of a larger problem. In addition, inspect the muffler and exhaust pipe for holes, particularly after winter, when debris from snow trucks may do significant damage. Replace any damaged or rusted parts. POWER STEERING Power steering fluid should also be inspected on a monthly basis. When checking power steering fluid, also Body Shop 2806 Fox Run Pkwy Yankton, SD 57078 • 665-3929 We guarantee that everything we do is done in a professional and hassle-free manner. We don’t see our customers as customers. We see them as our friends. Stop by and see John at Justra’s Body Shop for all your auto body and paint needs. • Paintless Dent Repair • Restoration Work • Loaner Car Available inspect the pump for any leaks. MOTOR OIL TRANSMISSION FLUID When checking transmission fluid, do so while the car is running and after the engine has warmed up. Always be certain to put the parking brake on when checking transmission fluid. If the vehicle needs transmission fluid, add the recommended fluid but be careful not to overfill. AUTO?PARTS • Frame Straightening • Insurance Work • Lifetime Paint Warranty • Glass Installation • Down Draft Brake Booth Read & Recycle! TIRES Keeping tires properly inflated pays numerous dividends. Properly inflated tires make it easier for the engine to operate, lowering fuel costs while also decreasing wear and tear on the engine. The owner's manual should list a recommended tire pressure, and the local filling station likely has an air pump. Maintaining tires also involves checking for wear and tear. Uneven wear could indicate the tires are misaligned. Discuss this with your mechanic. g the Servin for area ars. 78 ye 1509 E Hwy. 50 Yankton, SD sturdevants.com 605-665-3693 • 800-658-3388 15% Off All Exhaust Work Excludes Bullydog Products Expires May 20, 2011 • MUST HAVE COUPON MAGNAFLOW, FLOWMASTER, OEM MUFFLERS RADIATOR REPAIR, RECORING & NEW COMPLETE RADIATORS AVAILABLE. “The best place to take a leak” MIDWEST RADIATOR & EXHAUST 1211 East Hwy. 50 • Yankton, SD (605) 665-2410 3609 West 8th • Yankton Ph. (605) 665-7433 (866) 293-7433 www.allseasonspowersportsinc.com