Skimping On Car Care Can Get Expensive (NAPSA)—Many Americans are finding that not buying a new car makes proper maintenance of their existing car even more important. In fact, according to R.L. Polk & Co., Americans today are keeping their cars for nearly 10 years—anall-time high. Putting off regular maintenance could lead to engine failure, result- ing in thousandsof dollars spent on engine parts andlabor. Here are several myths about engine maintenance that could actually threaten the life of your car’s engine: Myth 1: ?m not hard on my car, so I can change myoil less frequently. Frequent oil changes are suggested for all cars driven under “severe” conditions, which include stop-and-gotraffic, driving at highway speeds in hot tempera- tures and driving in very hot or cold climates. According to a recent study by the state of California, 80 percent of U.S. driversfit the definition of a “severe” driver, though many don’t realize it. Auto manufacturers’ oil change interval recommendations are dramatically shorter for severe driving conditions, with the majority recommending 3,750 miles or less. To protect the investment you have in yourcar, be sure to change your oil every 3,000-4,000 miles. Said Sam Mitchell, president, Ashland Consumer Markets, the makers of Valvoline, “Keeping up on preventative auto maintenance is key to increasing the longevity of your vehicle and makingit last for the long haul.” Myth 2: Motoroil quality doesn’t matter;it’s all the same. Many drivers don’t realize that bargain motor oils may not be formulated well. According to industry studies, poorly formulated motoroil can lead to wear, excessive oil consumption, Experts say using a bargain motor oil may lead to wear, excessive oil consumption, powerloss and deposit formation in your engine. powerloss and deposit formation in your engine. Using a premium motor oil can help protect your engine from premature aging and is encouraged. Myth 3: My car is new, so I don’t need to worry about maintenance services. Regular maintenance, starting when your car is new, will keep it running longer and save you money in the long run. Keeping up on car care services, such as air filters, oil changes and transmission check- ups, helps you avoid major expenses in the future. Another way to makeyourvehi- cle last is to enroll in the Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee. Drivers with fewer than 75,000 miles on their odometers can visit any Valvoline Instant Oil Change Center and get their engine guar- anteed by Valvoline for up to 300,000 miles, as long as theoil is changed regularly. For more information or to enroll in the Valvoline Limited Engine Guarantee, please visit www.engineguarantee.com Www.vioc.com. or
