You might mean well when you set off to try and take care of your car, but many uneducated owners are wasting their time and even damaging their vehicles without knowing it. October is Car Care Month, and to celebrate, the British Columbia Automobile Association has decided to put the brakes on a few of the nastier car care myths. First off, it is NOT okay to wash your car with dish soap. Car finishes, like your skin actually, require a gentle cleaner to take away grime but leave
behind protection. Your car's paint has protective finishes built in, and maybe remnants of a coat of wax or two. Trouble is, dish-soap thinks these things are just leftover turkey supper and strips them away: not ideal to keep your car looking new. Protectant cleaners for your dashboard and tires may not help either. If you cheap out, you may wind up with worn out or cracked rubber on the tires and a splitting dashboard. Make sure you look for a product guaranteed to not damage vehicle components, to keep it looking its newest. And no matter how new and advanced your car might be, it still needs to be maintained. If not, it could emit 50 percent more pollution or use 50 percent more fuel than a vehicle with a well-maintained engine. Part of this maintenance is more than just using the right gas and oil.If you want your cars mechanical parts to last, you'd better check the owners manual for service intervals regarding coolant, transmission fluid and any other fluids and filters needing occasional attention. Out of town or away from your local dealership? Require a fluid change or other work performed at a franchise shop or local mechanic? Be sure to
save your receipts. Although visiting a non-dealer establishment for service is rarely a problem, it pays to hold onto any records to be safe. If you've ever wondered if you should use the premium or regular grade of gasoline, just look in your owners manual. If your car only needs 87 octane fuel and you feed it 91 or more hoping for better mileage, more power or some cleaning effect, you're simply wasting your money. Be assured that the petroleum companies care little if you spend the extra 12 cents per litre needlessly. There is no increase in power or mileage to be had by feeding a run of the mill engine premium gas. Don't waste money on those gadgets that claim "up to a 15% savings in fuel" either. Find a shop you trust for your new or older ride and read your owners manual. Taking care of your car on time and every time will save money down the road and ensure maximum use and enjoyment from it for years to come.