By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

 
April is National Car Care Month – a reminder that your trusty ride needs some TLC after months of wear and tear. You can save about $1,200 a year by doing basic maintenance yourself! It's a great investment considering the cost of a new vehicle is averaging $34,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.

These four tips will help you be prepared for the warmer temperatures and get the most out of your investment.

Batteries, tires, oil and wipers – new products to save you money and time.

1. Change your oil, it's the lifeblood of your car.

How would you like to change your oil only once a year? Yes, this is possible. There are some brands that offer longer life with synthetic engine oil up to one full year or 20,000 miles. Most synthetic engine oil is good for 7500 to 10,000 miles, It's scientifically proven to reduce oil breakdown and provide longer engine protection. Regular convention oil or a blend should be replaced every 5000 miles.

Personally, I only use full synthetic oil because it maximizes engine life, prevents harmful deposits, gives you better mpgs and you save time too.

2. Check your tires – it's all the touches the ground.

What is the correct tire pressure for my car? The correct tire pressure will be shown in one of three places – a placard on the driver's side door jamb, a placard inside the glove box or listed in the owner's manual. Tire pressure specifications are meant for when the tire is cold; therefore, if the vehicle has been driven or the tire has been sitting in direct sunlight, the tire pressure may read higher than the manufacturer's specification and should not be adjusted until the tire is cold.

This is a great time to inspect your tires. Are they worn unevenly, bald or damaged from that pothole you couldn't avoid? Now would be the best time to get new tires.

Great handling and control in both dry and wet-dry road conditions are the most important factors.  Remember all season tires are not designed for winter driving.

3. Keep it charged‬
Having trouble starting your car or have a blown bulb? Get your battery tested for free at an auto parts or supply store and save the money. Their knowledgeable staff can educate you on maintenance tips too.

If you need a new battery, save the receipt. If something happens you can get it replaced at no charge.

53 percent of drivers wait to replace batteries until they are dead – be proactive!

4. See clearly all year long  – wiper blades 
We all need wiper blades so we can safely see while driving, but the windshield wiper really hasn't changed much since it was invented in 1903. Some brands have improved on the old design. So, head to your local auto parts store and look at the new innovative wiper blades that remove rain like traditional wiper blades but with an added scrubbing feature for a clearer, more particle free windshield. More than rain hits your windshield, so why don't wiper blades help remove these other elements?  

Some brands of wiper blades have a scrubbing feature that clears water, bugs and debris for better visibility. You can get these unique wiper blades at travel stops or online.

Remember – 80 percent of your driving decisions are based on visibility. Change your wiper blade every six months for the safest way to travel.

The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a FREE Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare.org^[1]