(NAPSA)—Vacations offer a great opportunity for rest and relaxation. But if you’re not properly prepared, getting there can cause stress andirritation. Before you set out for your next getaway, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, stop-and-go driving, dusty roadways and severe temperatures can all negatively impact your car’s performance and take away from an otherwise enjoyable trip. One of the easiest preventative maintenance routines is an oil change. Using a premium filter and synthetic oil can give your vehicle an edge when combating extremeelements. A product like the FRAM Tough Guardoil filter will help ensure that harsh driving conditions do not harm your vehicle. With a multi-pass efficiency of 99 percent and a silicone anti-drain back valve that allowsthefilter to retain oil even when the engine is off, Tough Guardis the perfectfilter for today’s busy stop-and-go driver. “A vehicle’s engine can be thought of as the heart of the vehicle, with the oil acting as the blood,” says Glenn Richardson, FRAM Director of Engineering and Program Management. “It is thelifeline of a car, and in order to increase vehicle value and years, it needs to be properly cared for. Changing the oil and filter are simple and inexpensive ways to keep your car running strong.” “We recommend that consumers perform oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles to maintain optimum vehicle performance,” suggests Richardson. This will help your car function at a maximum efficiency, and protect your engine from the harsh conditions encountered on the roads everyday. Unfortunately, research shows that consumers only carry out this routine maintenance every 4,500 miles on average. “Forgoing this important procedure will eventually allow harmful elements to penetrate your vehicle’s lifeline, and could have detrimental effects,” warns Richardson. Quick lube centers offer fast and convenient service, while doing it yourself can save money. There are new products on the market today that help make the process easier. The FRAM SureDRAINfast access oil change system allows instant oil drainage without the mess, and most FRAM filters feature a SureGRIP non-slip finish so the filter is easy to grab and turn, even with oily hands. “Road conditions during normal everyday commutes are tough enough on our engines,” adds Richardson. “On vacations, motorists spend several hours behind the wheel, deal with lots of stop-and-go driving and often tow heavy loads. So whether you drive a car, sport utility vehicle or light truck, oil changes should be done regularly.”
