Keeping Your Vehicle On The Road To Safety (NAPSA)—Any time of year can be the right time to get your vehicle inspected and serviced. Timely inspection and service can help prevent the inconvenience of breaking down on the side of the road and havingto payfor a tow. To help get you on the road to safety and service, the experts at ACDelco, a world leader in auto- motive replacement parts and ser- vice, offer the following Car Care Quiz. Q: What percentage of vehi- cles are likely to fail at least one aspect of a spring vehicle inspection? A: Last year, 87 percent of vehi- cles examined during the National Car Care Month check lane cam- paign failed one or more parts of the inspection. The most common failures are low tire pressure, low or dirty oil, dirty air filter, worn belts and low fluid levels. Q: How often should vehicle ownersreplace their spark plugs? A: According to Susan Christo- phersen, manager of product service and training for ACDelco and a memberof the Car Care Council’s Women’s Board, “New technology has dramatically extendedthelife of some spark plugs—platinum-tipped plugs, for example, can last up to 100,000 miles. But most spark plugs last a minimum of 30,000 miles, and Experts say low tire pressure, a dirty air filter and worn belts are some of the more common reasonsvehiclesfail inspection. to-date equipment. Customers should feel comfortable that the shop owner and the technicians are concerned about the safety and performance of their vehicles and will repair them right the first time. Q: Whatis the leading cause of mechanical breakdown on U.S. highways, and what can vehicle owners do to prevent it from happening to them? A: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the principal reason for mechani- cal breakdownis a cooling system failure—resulting in an overheated engine. Low coolant, worn or loose belts and leaking hoses are all too common and can be generally are inexpensiveto replace.” identified and corrected with reg- ter to take their vehicles for a spring vehicle inspection and to get their vehicle serviced at a service center that has ASE-certified technicians. To find an ACDelco parts retailer or an Q: What should motorists look for when choosing a service ceninspection? A: Vehicle owners should make sure the service center has ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)certified technicians. Look for a clean, professional-looking facility with trained technicians and up- ular vehicle maintenance. Drivers are encouraged to get ACDelco Independent Service Center, log on to acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDELCO.
