ae 4 \ Ate Professional Maintenance Tips To Get Your Car Ready For The Road (NAPSA)—Anytime of year can be the right time to get yourcar in tip-top shape. Experts know that a top-notch pit crew can make the difference between winning or being an also-ran—evenif you’re just getting ready for the next family trip. That’s why it’s impor- tant to rememberthat not all auto repair technicians are created equal. Just ask Todd Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo SS. “It’s my job to make sure Kevin (Harvick’s) car is in perfect working condition at every race,” said Berrier. He recommends having a trained technician “sweat the details” like he does and inspect the following before you hit the road: e Tire pressure: About 20 percent of cars inspected in check lanes during National Car Care Month have underinflated tires, which can result in blowouts and serious accidents. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Make sure you have a trained technician check the following on your car: m Tire Pressure—Low pressure may cause accidents and lowerfuel efficiency. m= Wipers and Washer Fluid—Replace wipers every six months and makesureall systems are working properly. m Lubricants and Fluids—Check motoroil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. = Parts—Makesure your technician uses genuine replacement parts for your vehicle. e Lubricants and Fluids: Nearly 30 percent of vehicles importance of technician training Twenty-one percent had low or vice Excellence (ASE), only about half of the 820,000 auto service failed inspections as a result of too little, too much or dirty motor oil, and 26 percent had low, overfull or burnt transmission fluid. dirty powersteering fluid, 23 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid, and 18 percent failed the washer fluid inspection. Improper fluid levels affect your vehicle’s safety and can damage vehicle components. e Parts: It is important to have items such as belts and hoses regularly inspected and replaced with the right parts when needed. Genuine GM replacement parts, for example, are manufactured to the same Association (RMA). In addition, low tire pressure can reduce gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. e Wipers: Generally, wipers specifications of the company’s vehicles. A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays. months, ideally in the spring and and inspections can help improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, achieve peak performance and even help avoid major repairs down the road,” said Peter Lord, executive director, GM Service Operations. should be replaced every six fall, making now theperfect time to take a look at them. Also, make sure the windshield washers work properly and keep the washer fluid reservoirfull. @ Lord also emphasizes the “Regular vehicle maintenance when it comes to getting superior maintenance. For instance, according to fed- eral statistics and Automotive Ser- technicians in the U.S.are certified by ASE, an industry-recognized leaderin technician certification. He points out that not only are GM Goodwrench technicians ASE-certified—and recertified every five years—they receive additional training beyond the ASE requirements. These technicians are prepped to maintain and repair GM vehicles with a full line of products for one-stop service at over 7,000 GM dealership locations nationwide. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench Web site at www.goodwrench.com. To stay connected to the GM Goodwrench #29 team, Kevin Harvick, promotions and other GM Goodwrench motorsports information, check out the new Goodwrench racing microsite at www.gmgoodwrench.com/racing.
