(NAPSA)—Warmer temperatures mean it’s time to check your car. According to the Car Care Council, nearly eight out of 10 vehicles on the road need maintenance or repair. With a little maintenance now, it may be possible to prolong your car’s life and prevent costlier repairs down the road. Here are answers to some common vehicle care questions: Q. I didn’t keep up with preventive maintenance during the winter. How will that affect my car in the long term? A. Winter weather can be particularly taxing on yourcar. Increased stop-and-go driving can be tough on your motoroil and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause moisture accumulation in your fuelline. Havethe car serviced, and consider having it inspected by a qualified repair shop if larger problems are discovered. Q. How do I prepare my car for spring weather? A. Someof the routine maintenance you should perform for spring includes inspecting belts and hoses for cracks or leaks; inspecting the air filter; checking tire treads and inflation; and changing windshield wiper blades if they are damaged. Overheating also becomes a bigger problem in warmer weather, so pay particular attention to your car’s radiator fluid level and Keep your car running at peak efficiency. coolant overflow reservoir. Jiffy Lube service centers can check your car’s vital fluids and other components to help keep it running in peak condition. Q. In cleaning mycar, should I keep anything special in mind? A. While washing your car, don’t forget to spray underneath. Road salts used during the winter may have accumulated under the steel frame, especially behind the rear wheels, and should be washed awaybefore they corrode. Also, wax your car and check the body for minor scrapes and paint loss. Where necessary, fill them in with touch-up paint so rust doesn't form or spread. For more information on how to take care of your car, visit www,jiffylube.com.
