WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To avoid the frustration and potential safety hazards of car troubles over the Labor Day weekend, Universal Lubricants recommends an easy, do-it-yourself, four step inspection before hitting the road this holiday.  

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
3. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
4. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

"As delightful as driving and road-trips can be during the summer season, the increased use and added mileage can take a toll on engines. From everyone at Universal Lubricants, let's take the time to be safe and be smart before getting behind the wheel this weekend," said John Wesley, the company's chief executive officer.

Ensuring proper oil maintenance goes a long way to keep your car humming healthfully. By asking for ECO ULTRA® -- a re-refined engine oil which cuts fossil fuel use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces harmful environmental impacts on our Nation's waterways—American drivers can take care of their vehicles and the natural landscapes their cars pass through these final summer days.

The U.S. produces approximately 1.3 billion gallons of used oil each year, and only 10% of it is re-refined.  The overwhelming majority of used oil is either improperly disposed of (damaging the environment) or burned as an industrial fuel and gone forever.  Dedicated to reversing this unnecessary waste, Universal Lubricants produces ECO ULTRA® recycled products, which when used for the average five quart motor oil change, reduce the national need to import two barrels of foreign oil, every time.

"ECO ULTRA® provides American drivers the performance and reliability they expect in high quality motor oil while representing the apex of sustainable car-care solutions," added Wesley. "And so, this Labor Day we're calling on Americans to view the end of driving season as an opportunity to begin a new tradition: to practice safe engine maintenance and smart environmental stewardship. We're calling on Americans to switch to ECO ULTRA® motor oils."

For more information about Universal Lubricant's ECO ULTRA® products, please visit: www.ecoultraoil.com.

About Universal Lubricants

Universal Lubricants is one of America's oldest, most trusted used oil collection, new oil refining and distribution leaders. The company operates 28 facilities in 14 states and operates one of the world's most technologically advanced re-refineries in Wichita, Kansas. Utilizing a tightly controlled closed-loop process, Universal Lubricants collects used motor oil from across the country, processes it through their advanced refinery, and then blends the re-refined oil into high quality API certified motor oils and lubricants that meet SAE requirements and current OEM specifications. To ensure performance and reliability, the company's finished products go through rigorous lab testing and are real world proven for the most demanding driving environments. Universal Lubricants employs 380 American workers and is a Pegasus Capital Advisors portfolio company. For more information, please visit:  www.universallubes.com.

SOURCE Universal Lubricants