Car Care Guide

CAR CARE GUIDE

A Special Supplement to

CAR CARE

GUIDE HOW TO CHOOSE A MECHANIC MAINTENENCE THAT SAVES YOU MONEY THE OBSESSIVE OWNER’S GUIDE TO A SPOTLESS CAR

WHY NOT GREEN WASH?

WHAT GOES AROUND: HOW TO BUY NEW TIRES

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CAR CARE GUIDE

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5 BEST CITIES FOR AUTO REPAIR High Price Low Price 1. Memphis $200 $90 2. Jacksonville $190 $80 3. Omaha $190 $80 4. San Antonio $215 $86 5. Austin $190 $100 5 WORST CITIES FOR AUTO REPAIR High Price Low Price 46. Raleigh $250 $60 47. Washington, D.C. $367 $140 48. Albuquerque $312 $99 49. Honolulu $545 $151 50. Chicago $425 $150

By DEB ACORD CTW FEATURES

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he Ford Model T had two speeds: slow and fast. When it needed repairs, maintenance was simple and quick, requiring a handful of tools.

Today’s cars are generations removed from the classic Tin Lizzy. Sleek, fast and high-tech, they often come with owners’ manuals so big they won’t fit in the glove box. Many consumers perform their own car repairs, especially on routine fixes such as wiper blade and bulb replacements, but even those jobs require a good instruction manual. Other owners rely on the experience and knowledge of mechanics, especially for more complicated jobs. According to the Automotive Service Association, about 75 percent of out-of-warranty repairs are performed by independent repair shops.

Even if a consumer isn’t wielding a wrench, securing excellent car repair requires some work.

Research and preparation are important, says Brian Hafer of AutoMD.com, a consumer-focused car-repair site.

“Consumers should make sure the

repair shop is using high-quality parts. If it is a complex job and the vehicle is newer, they should make sure the independent shop has the automaker information to diagnose and perform the repair,” Hafer says.

“For many late-model vehicles, the automakers restrict the information and equipment needed to do the job so car owners might need to have the work done at a dealership,” he says.

Consumers should seek out mechanics with professional credentials.

The Automotive Service Association is a good place to start. “Our members have access to specialized training to repair vehicles,” says Melanie Webber, spokeswoman for the group. “The high-tech nature of today’s vehicles, hybrids in particular, requires that repair professionals be trained in the makes and models they service.”

Hafer recommends researching a shop before visiting. Look for consumer reviews online and visit sites such as the Automotive Service Association (asashop.org), the Better Business Bureau

(bbb.org) and AutoMD.com To make sure you get a fair deal, keep these steps in mind: • Diagnose the problem as completely as you can with online tools and repair manuals before you go to a shop.

• Get an online, industry-standard estimate, and then compare it with the estimate of the shop. If the shop’s estimate is higher, counter with the researched estimate.

• Compare shops. Look at average hourly labor rates, reviews and ratings, and call them for price quotes.

• Negotiate. Once you have an online fair price estimate and quotes from other

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area shops, ask for a lower price.

And the most important advice for consumers: Ask questions. When you walk into an auto repair shop, “look and ask for credentials,” says Bob Wills, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, Mich., and a general director of the Automotive Service Association.

Find out how long the current owner has been in business. “Experience is a factor. So is training,” Wills says. Listen closely to a technician’s advice to determine if the work prescribed is necessary or is an additional service that, while useful, may be optional for your immediate needs. © CTW Features

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CAR CARE GUIDE

MAINTENANCE:

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO ENSURE YOUR CAR IS IN GOOD RUNNING ORDER. FOLLOWING A FEW SIMPLE PROCEDURES REGULARLY CAN ADD THOUSANDS OF MILES TO A VEHICLE’S LIFE – AND HELP SAVE MONEY IN THE PROCESS

By JIM GORZELANY CTW FEATURES

A

utomotive maintenance is such a valuable life skill that the Boy Scouts actually issue a merit badge for it. Truth is, armed with little more than a trusty owner’s manual, anyone can perform routine service checks and tasks themselves. Astute owners save money by taking charge of maintenance, heading off the need for costlier repairs down the road.

In the spirit of the Scouts’ “Be Prepared” motto, here are a few self-help tips: • Air Filter. A clogged or dirty air filter can adversely affect an engine’s performance, so be sure to inspect this simple-yet-critical element monthly – it’s usually located under a plastic cover near the front of the engine that’s fastened by one or more clips. Remove the pleated paper filter and shake it to dislodge any loose particulates. Replace it if it’s noticeably dirty. Change the filter every other year.

• Battery. A dead battery is one of the most common breakdowns, but it’s also the easiest to avoid. Check the level of fluid in the battery once a week during the summer and at least once a month at cooler times of the year. Often the battery resides under a removable plastic cover and is located to the left or right of the engine. Either remove the battery caps or look through the small “window” provided for this purpose. If the fluid level is low, top it off only with distilled water. Keep the terminals clear of corrosion using a soft wire brush dipped in ammonia or baking soda, then flush with water.

Replace the battery every few years.

• Belts. A series of rubber belts operate an engine’s key components and should be examined regularly. They’re located at the front of the engine. Look for cracks or looseness. There shouldn’t be more than a halfinch of “play” when you press down on the center between pulleys; you should hear no “squealing” from the belts when the engine is running. Have loose belts tightened and replace them if they’re frayed or cracked.

• Fluids. Engine coolant, motor oil, and brake, power steering and transmission fluids literally are a vehicle’s lifeblood, and they should be changed according to the automaker’s recommended schedule. In the meantime, these fluid levels should be checked

periodically and topped off as necessary. If any of them are chronically low, have the car checked by a technician. Even in the most tightly packed engine compartments fluid check and fill points are clearly marked, typically in yellow.

Engine coolant (antifreeze) levels can usually be monitored via a translucent plastic “overflow” reservoir; if necessary top off the coolant via the plug at the top of this tank and not the radiator cap. Fill as necessary, using a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water; be sure to use the type of coolant specified by the automaker. Have the cooling system drained and “flushed” at least every 24 months.

Check the oil level at each fill-up or every week. With the engine off, remove the dipstick, wipe it dry with a rag or paper towel, insert it and remove it to check the level. The fluid should come between the two lines scored in the dipstick – often these are labeled “Full” and “Low.” Add a quart of oil via the filling point if the level is at or below the lower of the two lines. Recheck the level after a few minutes.

Inspect the other fluid levels with the change of season at the least. The power steering and transmission fluids are checked via dipsticks, as detailed above. If low, fill only with specifically labeled powersteering/automatic transmission fluid – do not use motor oil. To check the brake fluid, locate the reservoir and use a screwdriver to release the clip at the top of the cylinder, but be sure to wipe this off before opening to prevent dirt from contaminating the brake fluid. Top it off with fresh brake fluid as needed.

• Tires. Check the air pressure in the tires – including the spare – weekly, and only when the tires are cold (before driving.) Use a good-quality tire-pressure gauge. Keep them inflated to the maximum pressure recommended in the owner’s manual. Check tread depth periodically by placing a penny head first into the tread; if any part of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires (contemporary tires include built-in tread wear indicators that appear as horizontal stripes running perpendicular to the tread when they need replacing). Have the tires rotated once a year – sooner if they begin to show signs of uneven wear – according to the manufacturer’s instructions. © CTW Features

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Donald Weekly Nissan Certified Technician Chrysler Certified Technician Dodge Certified Technician Jeep Certified Technician 25 Years Experience

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CAR CARE GUIDE

UPKEEP:

HOW TO CHOOSE A MECHANIC MORE OF US – FINGERS CROSSED – ARE KEEPING OUR CARS LONGER. FOR OWNERS WITH AN AGING VEHICLE TO BABY, AN ABLE MECHANIC CAN BE A BFF

By JAY KOBLENZ CTW FEATURES

T

ough economic times have compelled many drivers to keep their rides on the road longer, delaying new debt for brighter days.The average age of a passenger vehicle is 10 years and climbing, up 21 percent in the past 14 years, according to R. L. Polk & Co. The reluctance to part with our aging autos has required drivers to pay sharper attention to matters of service and repair.Although vehicles are generally more reliable than they once were, higher mileage and the end of warranty periods raise the stakes. Little problems can quickly become major ones. Now more than ever, it’s important to have the right repair shop for your vehicle and a great relationship with a mechanic. Here’s how to start your search.

NETWORK IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD The top source for finding an honest, fair and, of course, skilled shop is the recommendation of a friendly neighbor, particularly one with a vehicle similar to yours. Most people don’t want to travel any further than they have

to for the sake of convenience.Those who live near you probably feel the same. Coworkers may be able to recommend a shop near your place of work.

When getting a recommendation, ask a few questions. Has that person taken his or her car into the shop more than once? Have they had services done similar to what you might need? Did they go to other shops before settling on the one they like best? A mechanic who specializes in quick oil changes may not be right for an engine overhaul.When someone raves about a particular mechanic, that’s usually a pretty good indication of quality.

SHOP AND COMPARE It’s best to begin your search for a mechanic before you need one. Emergencies aren’t the best time to research and make decisions. It’s usually best to have minor maintenance or small repairs taken care of first before committing to a shop for major or more complex repair work. For major (that is, expensive) work, it’s also a good idea to shop around and get estimates from more than one mechanic.

For many people, the ideal place to go for service is where you bought your car or a dealership for the same brand.Auto dealers certainly have a number of positive attributes:They have a direct source for factoryauthorized parts. Unless your car is very old (say, 20 years or more), they are required to have the proper equipment to perform the repair work.Technicians are required to undergo specific training and there is a chain of command should something go wrong or if you have a complaint.

The drawback of the dealership is generally cost. It is usually, although not always, the most expensive place to get service. For many people, dealerships also may be more geographically distant.

But the recession has wreaked havoc on car dealerships.Those that stressed only sales and had poor service departments are less likely to still be around.Those that survived often did so on the basis of better customer service.

Independent mechanics can range from fly-by-night operations to those that started their own business because they have “outgrown” the dealership service department.

It’s best to begin your search for a mechanic before you need one.

Emergencies aren’t the best time to research and make decisions.

READ AND CHECK CREDENTIALS Look for a mechanic with proper training and certification.The most recognized organization for auto mechanics is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Certified mechanics will almost always proudly display diplomas, certificates of training and local documentation, such as a business license and affiliations with local business organizations.Training certification demonstrates that the shop owner cares about maintaining professional standards, an important aspect in fixing and maintaining increasingly complex cars and trucks.

Check the Better Business Bureau for possible unresolved complaints against a shop.

Look up online forums for your make and model of car to find owners willing to share information about known problems.The better armed you are with information, the more likely it is you will make a good decision.

Read the owner’s manual. It will list maintenance items and provide valuable information about your car. For example, if a mechanic wants to charge you to change a timing belt, but you already know the car has a timing chain, it’s time to move on to another mechanic.

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CAR CARE GUIDE

MECHANIC from previous page Look for a mechanic who not only can fix your car but also can explain the situation clearly. Most of the time, a good mechanic will be a talented communicator. In many auto dealerships and large shops, though, you may talk to a service writer who doesn’t actually work on cars. If you have questions, ask to speak to the mechanic who will do the repair.

Ask about replacement parts.Are they new or refurbished? Sometimes a less costly refurbished part will work just as well, but you should know what you are getting and why. Have the shop save and show you the old parts.

Ask about warranties.A good shop will stand by its work and explain what is and

what is not covered. Be sure to get promised warranties in writing.

Don’t be a “price only” shopper.You want the best job, not the cheapest one.A good mechanic will earn his or her wages.When things go beyond your resources, it also is fine to ask if there is a less expensive way to keep your vehicle on the road.You want a mechanic that cares about your budget and your car.

SHOP BODY SHOPS BECAUSE...

Few people think about finding a good body shop until the unfortunate day they need one. While all cars need maintenance, the need for body repair usually comes as an unpleasant surprise. In many cases, most of the cost will be paid by an

insurance company. Most insurance companies will help you find a qualified body shop and offer some sort of satisfaction guarantee if you choose from their recommendations. However, as the car owner, you make the ultimate choice.

When comparing body shops, ask about training from I-CAR, the InterIndustry Conference On Auto Collision Repair.You also can ask to see some of their work. Look at cars that are nearly finished, awaiting customer pickup or some final trim pieces. See if the color matches on all panels, whether there is dust in the paint or any rough surfaces.

Examine for paint overspray on windows or moldings.These are all signs of sloppy workmanship.

Whether for body work or mechanical repair, always get full estimates of work

to be done and a time frame for its completion. Ask if the parts are available, and if not, say you will come back when they arrive. Many repairs can take time and you may need to set up a rental car for the duration.

Once the repair is completed, have everything explained to you prior to payment. Keep copies of the estimate, receipts and any other paperwork that will document what has been done and may be required before any warranty is honored.

When you do find that great mechanic or shop, tell your friends.You want the good ones to stay in business as long as possible.

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Bill Kent Hyundai opens new state-of the-art service department The new service department at Bill Kent Hyundai is now open for business. The new addition to the local dealership now offers service on GM vehicles with AC Delco parts. Kent invites anyone needing service on their vehicle to come visit the new facility located at 2520 North Columbia Street.

C

ar enthusiasts, at least those not on an extremely restricted budget, look forward to the next set of tires. Rather than trying to find the cheapest way to cover their wheels in fashionable black rubber, they view the occasion as an opportunity to improve the performance of their car. When it comes to automotive enhancement, new tires give the best bang for the buck.

Of all the technology, expense and knowhow that goes into a car’s engine, suspension and other mechanical aspects, it’s all for naught if a vehicle’s four tires don’t connect well with the road. A better set of tires can improve acceleration, handling, ride comfort and help provide a quieter ride.

And, of course, a new set of high-quality tires provides an added cushion of safety.

While all tires are black and round with only some variations in texture and tread, it can be hard to understand the major differences and massive amounts of technology involved. Inside each tire are variations in belt materials, construction and materials compounding.

When most people shop for tires, the top priority is simply, “How long will they last?”

While there have been sharp improvements resulting in tires that can last tens of thousands of miles, each factor is a compromise. Drivers may not want to spend the next 50,000 miles, or more, riding on noisy, harsh tires that tend to slide in the rain.

No matter how well an owner cares for a car's originally equipped tires, they will eventually wear out. When tread wear bars are visible or the tread is completely gone from any spot on the tire, exposing the belt, it is well past the proper time to replace the tire.

Vehicles are originally specified with tires determined to do a specific job. Sports tires are intended to be able to drive at high speeds and grip the road when cornering; truck tires are designed to carry heavy loads; and luxury tires must do all tasks well while providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

Drivers can find the original tire size listed inside the owner’s manual. Generally, keep the same size unless you do a lot of research to determine why a change would be due.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires certain information to be labeled on each tire. Never buy a tire that lacks the following information:

KEEP ROLLING:

HOW TO BUY NEW TIRES

By JAY KOBLENZ CTW FEATURES

INSTEAD OF AN EXPENSIVE MAINTENANCE COST, THINK OF IT AS AN AFFORDABLE UPGRADE

TIRE SIZE You will find a number that looks something like P215/65R15. The “P” means permanent. (A “T” would appear on a temporary spare tire.); 215 is the section width in millimeters; the 65 is the percentage of the height of the tire to its width; the “R” means radial; and the 15 is the rim diameter size.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING SYSTEM This will list tread-wear, traction and temperature ratings; these are relative ratings, not absolute. A 100 tread-wear rating should mean a tire lasts half as long as one with a 200 rating.

The traction rating ranges from AA (best), to A, B and C; it is determined by a 40 mph wetbraking test. Temperature is one of three letters: A (highest), B and C. The letters indicate a tire’s resistance to heat, which leads to wear and tire failure.

MANUFACTURE DATE Since 2000, all tires are required to be stamped with the date of manufacture. Listed on the sidewall is a serial number that follows the letters “DOT.” The last four digits of this number document the week the tire was made.

For example, if the last four numbers are 2509, the tire was made during the 25th week of 2009. Do not buy tires that have been stored for a few years, since they do deteriorate over time.

Few drivers are in a position to actually try out various tires and directly compare what can be large differences in noise and ride quality.

This is where a trustworthy dealership comes into play. A good tire dealer can explain the differences among various brands, why a particular tire might suit you better than another and what to know regarding maintenance issues like rotating the tires and balancing the wheels.

Some tire dealers will inflate tires with nitrogen, not air. This may improve the longevity of

the tire, although drivers will have to return to that dealership to maintain nitrogen inflation.

Whatever a driver decides, there is one step of crucial importance in maintaining tires: Check and maintain proper air pressure. The amount of air pressure is determined not by the tire maker but by the vehicle manufacturer.

Improper inflation, low or high, will reduce not just your tires’ life span but also their safety and performance.

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WASH ON, WAX OFF. REPEAT

By TERESA ODLE CTW FEATURES

ADDING VALUE:

THE OBSESSIVE OWNER’S GUIDE TO COMING CLEAN

W

e’re keeping today’s cars longer, and when it’s time to sell or trade in Ol’ Betsy, the better she looks, the more money we get for her. Regular cleaning of a car’s exterior and interior keeps it looking newer and helps prevent wear and tear on surfaces. For example, bird droppings aren’t just unsightly; they’re loaded with organic acids that can etch into a car’s surface and damage the paint.“But if you get to it right away, it washes off,” says Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax,Willowbrook, Ill.That’s one of many reasons for a regular car-care routine that includes washing, waxing and interior cleaning. For many car owners, however, it’s all about time, convenience and money.

STICK TO CAR PRODUCTS It’s tempting to use dish or laundry soap to wash your car, but with the exception of glass cleaner and a few carpet and upholstery products, avoid the stuff under the sink and stick with products made specifically for cars. Other household products might contain detergents, abrasives and additives that can harm the car’s finish. Plus, automotive products are regulated, says Gretchen Schaefer, vice president of communications for the Consumer Specialty Products Association.“So the label has to instruct the consumer on the product’s properties, how much to dilute the product, to be careful not to let the suds

dry on the car in the sun, et cetera.”

Park the car in the shade and get started with a good car product. Schultz says there definitely is a difference in quality the more you spend.“Any car wash will work, but a lot of the premium washes have water softener in them or rich foaming agents that are very gentle to the surface,” he says.These rinse off better, and some even have fragrances.

Schultz also recommends starting with the wheels.“It’s the dirtiest job, so get it out of the way first.” He says new big rims are an expression of owners’ personalities, and they deserve some attention.“Using a wheel and tire cleaner is essential because when brake dust builds up, it forms a black coating that is very difficult to impossible to remove if it sits there too long.”

Don’t forget the headlights.They’re impor-

tant not only for looks but safety. New polycarbonate lenses cloud or yellow, reducing the amount of light from halogen headlights.

Check out auto stores for headlight restoration or polishing kits that clear up the lenses.

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE Don’t always choose the cheapest product.

A few more dollars on a car care product and some time could make a difference in trade-in value.And consider investing in some new items.You can dry your car with recycled bath towels, but they leave lint and are not always efficient. Schultz says one of the greatest developments in recent years is the improvement in microfiber towels.“They do a beautiful job of getting glass streak-free,” he says.“They also do a great job of removing wax or spray polish.They’re easy to wash or rinse out and are reusable.”

CONVENIENCE Another convenient way to dry the car is with the Original California Dry Blade. It’s a silicone squeegee for your car or home that recently received an innovation award from the International Housewares Association. ”It can dry your car in one-third the time and has literally 15 times less friction on the surface than a terry towel,” says Russ Romer, a spokesman for the product.The blade is flexible enough to easily wipe a side-view mirror.

Schultz realizes that for many car owners, time is of the essence and the reason more don’t follow a regular washing and waxing routine. One solution is to use a spray wax every time you wash your car.“You have to use them more often than a liquid or paste because they don’t last as long,” he says. But they’re quick and easy. Schultz notes a new

Turtle Wax product released a few years ago that works on clear-coat finishes and on the increasing amount of plastic and rubber in car exteriors.“ICE is a clear synthetic, oilbased formula that can be used on the paint, plastic and rubber trim,” Schultz says.“And it doesn’t leave a chalky white residue.”

And be sure to include your car’s interior.

Schultz reminds car owners that they’re in and out of the car often and that the surfaces are designed not to show grime. Still, it builds up quickly.Again, stick with car products only, at least for the instrument panel and all plastic and leather surfaces. For convenience, look for a product that can be used on virtually all interior surfaces.

And always follow the product labeling, adds Schaefer.“Use the right product for specific purposes, finishes and fabrics.”

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CAR CARE GUIDE

UPKEEP:

CLEAN AND GREEN

F

uel-efficient hybrids and a flock of new electric vehicles just now hitting the market have captured the imagination of eco-minded drivers. And for those whose earth-friendly interests extend to car care, the options also are expanding.

Some 23 percent of us would like auto products made with environmentally friendly materials, says David Portalatin, director of industry analysis for the NPD Group in Houston. Enter the green product innovators. Now, drivers who want to stay green while keeping their cars clean can choose from a burgeoning array of choices.

PAY FOR A GREENER PROFESSIONAL WASH The International Carwash Association reports that automatic car washes use less than half the water of even the most careful ohome car washer – about 45 gallons per car versus 80 to 140 gallons for a home wash. And the car wash business is getting greener. Many use reclamation systems to reclaim or reuse treated water for future washes, and discharge harmful fluids responsibly.

More than 1,000 car wash companies in the United States and Canada have signed up for the International Carwash Association’s environmental recognition program, called WaterSavers. To find a recognized car

wash near you go to www.carwash.org, click on “Water Savers” and use the searchable map.

New car-wash operators are adapting even more environmentally rigorous formats. The race is on to claim the title of the first LEED-certified car wash in the United States and Canada.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, run by the U.S. Green Building Council, rates buildings that meet the highest standards for sustainability and conservation. The owners of Smart Car Wash, under construction in Woodbridge, Va., say they will reclaim and reuse more than 90 percent of their wash water; reduce noise and light pollution; cut power consumption by 50 percent; and use earthfriendly detergents.

A mobile car wash company in New Jersey uses the Internet, a tiny Smart Fortwo car and a biodegradable waterless cleaner to bring eco-friendly car cleaning direct to a customer’s doorstep. Customers book appointments online. Keep an eye out for ecominded car wash providers in your area.

DIY – WITH LESS WATER After watering the lawn, at-home car washing accounts for the second biggest use of water in the summer.

Some 38 percent of car owners wash their cars in the driveway on average

once every two weeks, according to the International Carwash Association. But detergent- and chemical-laden wash and rinse water run off right into the hometown storm drains and flow directly into local waters without being treated.

To wash your vehicle in a more Earth-friendly way at home: • Pull the car onto the lawn, if possible, where was water will drain through soil and gravel.

• Use a green detergent made specifically for cars.

• Use a water-saving, low-flow nozzle and shut off water between sprays.

• After a quick spray of water using the hose, rely on a full bucket of soapy water to wash the car. Spray again to rinse the car clean.

•Dispose of the bucket of soapy water in the sink, so that the wash water will be treated.

WATCH FOR NEW GREEN PRODUCTS A flotilla of green car wash products is hitting store shelves. Watch for biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps and new “waterless” car wash liquids. If your vehicle is very muddy, sandy or soiled, it may be necessary to rinse the vehicle with water before using a waterless liquid.

Spray the wash on a micro fiber towel and cool car.

Wipe gently and use a dry towel to shine.

Green Seal, a nonprofit that certifies products that make environmental claims, keeps a small list of certified green cleaners on its website. Go to www.greenseal.org, click on “Find a certified product” and select household cleaning products.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association, a group representing makers of auto and industrial cleaners, sponsors a certification program run by the Environmental Protection Agency called Design for the Environment. Car care products that meet rigorous standards for environmental safety carry the DFE label, such as a car wash from EarthWell Tech and several from Simoniz USA. Consumers can search for car cleaners and other products on the EPA’s Design for the Environment website: www.epa.gov/dfe.

“THE WATER RECLAMATION SYSTEM WAS A KEY COMPONENT IN THE DESIGN OF OUR NEW CAR WASH IN MILLEDGEVILLE,” SAYS GREG AUTEN WITH TIDAL WAVE AUTO SPA. “THIS ADVANCED SYSTEM ALLOWS US TO RECLAIM AND REUSE UP TO 90% OF OUR WASH WATER, CREATING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE CAR WASH.”

1897 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville

478.453.8714 Locally Owned •Locally Operated • Convenient Location!

We have been taking care of Milledgeville area vehicles for over twenty years at Express Wash & Lube. We appreciate all of our loyal customers and would like to add you to our list if you are not already a part of our customer base. We would like to share 3 important guidelines in getting the longest life and best performance from your vehicle.

1 Change all the fluids based on the manufacturers recommendations, ie: oil, transmission, brake, coolant and power steering.

2

3

Rotate and balance your tires as recommended by the tire manufacturer and keep the tires inflated properly.

Do routine maintenance including tune ups, timing belts, brakes before the parts wear out.

And in order to enjoy your well maintained car take care of its appearance also. Regular car washes at a professional car wash with a professional hand wax every six months will keep your car looking great and you will be proud to drive it no matter how many miles or how many years you have owned it.