Has Your Car Been Feeling Left Out in the Cold?

Your Second Largest Investment Could Use a Little TLC

BETHESDA, Md., March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's always there when you need it, and it got you through one of the worst winters in recent memory. So why not give your vehicle a little something back? The Car Care Council recommends setting aside a little time this spring to care for your car by following three simple steps.

• Keep your vehicle clean. Regular car washes and waxes protect the paint and body of your car from corrosive debris. In parts of the country where salt is used on the roads, regularly washing is especially important.
• Keep your car on schedule. Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Whether you choose to do your own maintenance or patronize a local repair shop, following a routine service schedule is essential to keeping your car in safe and dependable working order.
• Keep an eye on the little things. Your windshield wipers aren't cleaning as well as they should? Your gas tank is missing its cap? There's a warning light on your dashboard?  When you see your car needs attention, don't delay. Repairing small things now can help avoid more costly problems down the road and add years of useful vehicle life.

"Many vehicles end up neglected during the winter months and could use a little extra care to get them ready for the spring and summer driving season," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "For most Americans, their vehicle is their second biggest investment and they rely on it every single day to get to work, school and everywhere in between. Taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run."

The 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 copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

SOURCE Car Care Council