Basic Maintenance Can Be A Smart Investment

Basic maintenance can be a smart investment when it comes to your automobile. Keeping your vehicle maintained properly is one way to keep your car running for a long time.

Extending the life of your car makes your investment smarter than ever. Get some simple tips to keep your car in good condition.

(NAPSI)—Whether your car came right off the showroom floor or you drive a used vehicle that has seen its share of miles, one of the best ways to extend its life is to practice basic maintenance.

To help, here are some tips:

• Take Care Of Your Tires.

A good rule of thumb for tire rotation is to have your tires rotated every other oil change. This can vary depending on the amount of driving you do. Check the air pressure in your tires. This simple procedure can help your vehicle’s fuel economy.

• Check Your Belts And Hoses.

You may not know what everything does under the hood of your vehicle, but even you can recognize a belt or hose that has a crack or corrosion. These parts are usually made of rubber and will eventually wear out. If you’re still unsure, belts and hoses can be checked during an oil change or at your vehicle’s annual checkup.

• Check Your Oil.

If the level of oil in your vehicle is too high or low, it can cause engine problems. Owners of both new and older vehicles can consider using synthetic motor oil to help increase the mileage between oil changes.

For example, Royal Purple offers a variety of motor oil viscosities for different makes and models, recommending the SN Series for vehicles 2011 and newer and the new High Performance Series for older vehicles. This can result in money savings with fewer oil changes and less impact on the environment with less oil disposed.

When you get your oil changed, ask if they recycle their oil, and if you’re changing your oil, at home, check out www.earth911.com for a motor oil recycling center near you.

• Check Your Coolant.

If you’re not sure where your coolant reservoir is, check your owner’s manual. The ideal level of coolant should be between the low and high markings.

If you are checking the coolant yourself, do not take the cap off if your vehicle has been recently driven. If the coolant system is hot, the pressure inside could burn you when the cap is removed. To keep your engine cool, try a coolant additive such as Royal Purple’s Purple Ice. It’s designed to reduce engine temperatures and protect the engine from corrosion.

• Learn The Dashboard Lights.

Refer to your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with some of your dashboard warning lights. These include: Check Engine, Service Engine, Electrical Fault, Brake Warning, ABS Brake Warning, Coolant and Oil. Ignoring these warning signs could result in expensive repairs if left too long.

For more information, visit www.royalpurple.com.

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For Better Automotive Performance, Reconsider The Old Maintenance Standbys

For better automotive performance, reconsider the old maintenance standbys like a trustworthy motor oil.

(ARA) - Have you ever wondered why you use certain brands when it comes to products like food, laundry detergent, toilet paper and toothpaste? The same can be said for the kind of tires you put on your car or the automotive products you use. We often make our decisions based on the people who influence us every day. These influencers could be parents, friends, professionals and advertisements in the media or on the Internet.

Unfortunately, what was once the best product to meet our needs a few years ago or even a month ago, may not be what we need in our lives today. This is particularly true when you consider car products such as motor oil.

As a kid you may have watched your dad or older brother change the oil in his car or truck in the garage, and their brand loyalty transferred to your own buying habits. "I used a particular brand for years because that's what my dad used," says Shawn Kelly of Baytown, Texas. The next time you reach for your next quart of oil, ask yourself what made you choose one brand over the others on the shelf.

In the past, there was a common perception about motor oil: "If it's thicker, it must be better." That old adage is no longer true for today's motor oils. As new vehicle models are released each year, engineers are making tweaks and improvements in car designs not only to the body, but under the hood as well. As a result, with motor oil standards set forth by the Society of Automotive Engineers, American Petroleum Institute licensing and emissions standards, motor oil manufacturers must constantly try to meet the needs of the new engines by improving their formulations and product lines.

If you currently use conventional motor oil, there are several reasons to consider using synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple. Synthetic oils are base oils mixed with additives that can provide benefits like protecting the engine from corrosion and extending the drain intervals, which means fewer oil changes and less waste disposed in the environment. Synthetic oils come in a variety of viscosities or thicknesses that are suitable for your vehicle. These include oils for newer models and vehicles still under warranty, like Royal Purple's SAE SN motor oils that are available in mono-grade and multi-grade viscosities. For older vehicles no longer under warranty, and those drivers seeking better performance and protection, Royal Purple offers their High Performance Street (HPS) motor oil series that includes the proprietary additive technology Synerlec.

Next time you're talking cars, ask your dad why he buys the brands he does, and you might find he was influenced by his own dad or mentor. These days, parents are being educated by their children about new products on the market. If you are considering a change to synthetic oil, consult your owner's manual about the correct viscosity motor oil to use and make sure you will not void your warranty. If you have specific questions about Royal Purple synthetic motor oil or products, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at www.royalpurple.com, or email your specific questions to the Royal Purple Technical Department at rpautotech@royalpurple.com.

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