| Reading your vehicle's owner's manual is the first step in becoming an informed consumer. The manual explains how your car works, and provides you with a detailed recommended maintenance schedule specifically for your vehicle's make and model. If you don't have an owner's manual, you can buy one from a car dealership that sells your type of vehicle. Call the parts department and ask them to order one for you. Keep the manual in your glove compartment for quick reference. It is the definitive source of maintenance information for your vehicle.
You can determine what your vehicle's maintenance needs are by paying attention to how and where you drive your vehicle. Automobile manufacturers divide driving maintenance requirements into two categories: "normal" and "severe." Follow the maintenance schedule that fits your driving habits.
Normal driving conditions: Highway driving on paved roads in relatively dust-free areas. (Dust clogs up your air filter and PCV filter).
Severe driving conditions:
- Trips less than 10 miles
- Stop-and-go city driving
- Driving in extremely cold weather
- Dusty driving conditions
- Towing a trailer
- Idling for long periods
By spending a moderate amount of money following your vehicle's maintenance schedule, you will save money on repairing and replacing prematurely worn parts. You will also save money on fuel consumption when your car is running properly. There are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself, like inspecting your tires, and belts and hoses.
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