About Used Cars

(NAPSI)-Following a few simple tips could help you extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running well today and down the road.

That’s good news for budget-conscious drivers, many of whom are holding on to their vehicles longer and finding ways to get more out of them for their money. In fact, J.D. Power & Associates projects 6 million fewer cars will be sold this year than just two years ago, as more people opt to keep their current rides on the road. So how can you help keep your car running longer? Try these tips:

Check The Oil

Keep an eye on your vehicle’s oil, especially if it is an older model. Start by removing the oil dipstick from the engine and wiping it clean. Then replace the dipstick and remove it again. Look to see where the oil is on the dipstick. It should be between the stick’s “full” and “empty” lines. If the oil is low, slowly add more into the oil case, continuing to check the dipstick to see when the case becomes full. It’s important not to add too much oil. You can refer to your owner’s manual for types of oil to use.

Kick The Tires

The right tires can have a positive impact on the performance and handling of your car. For instance, Michelin’s Energy Saver A/S tires are designed to provide up to 109 gallons of fuel savings over their lifetime, while the company’s HydroEdge tire is designed to stop 14 feet shorter than other tires and last up to 33,000 miles longer. They can help provide a safer and less expensive ride, but also save the cost of early tire replacement down the road.

Change The Filters

Air and oil filters help protect the engine from damage caused by grime and dirt. When they are clean, the filters also help automobiles operate more efficiently, which can improve performance and gas mileage.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your air and oil filters every time you have the oil changed. You might also change the filters yourself. Just be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific filter sizes and requirements.

For more tips and information, visit Michelinman.com.

(NAPSI)-Despite the recent press about vehicle recalls, there is some good news. With a little bit of homework, you can put yourself on the road to safety and satisfaction.

Vehicle recalls have become increasingly common. In 2008 alone, hundreds of recalls were issued, affecting more than 10 million vehicles.

Vehicles with open recalls are bought and sold every day-some with recalls change hands multiple times. Estimates are that nearly a third of all recalled vehicles go unfixed by their owners. All the more reason for car buyers to be careful.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage when buying a used car. Here are some tips:

• Remember that “recall” is not necessarily a bad word. Recalls may be mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or voluntarily issued by auto manufacturers to help prevent safety failures.

• With the exception of those involving tires, recalls are in effect for the lifetime of a vehicle. Under federal law, recalls must be remedied at no cost to consumers. Open recalls will only be repaired for free by authorized dealers-those that sell and service your particular vehicle make.

• Check for open recalls when you shop for a used car. If one exists, make an appointment to have it taken care of as soon as possible.

• Recall information is reported to CARFAX and can appear in CARFAX Vehicle History Reports. A free Recall Check also is available at CARFAX.com. This free resource helps car buyers instantly identify an open recall on a vehicle they are thinking of buying.

CARFAX Vehicle History Reports are available for used cars and light trucks manufactured since 1981. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN), a Carfax Report is instantly generated from a database of over 7 billion records reported by 34,000 sources.

For more information about open recalls and other used car buying tips, CARFAX.com.

This is short and sweet.

Here’s lesson 101 on what not to do when buying a used car!

‘Nuff Said.