Expert Fall Car Care Month Tips from Georgia's Clean Air Force

ATLANTA – October is Fall Car Care Month and Georgia’s Clean Air Force (GCAF), in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), encourages motorists to practice common sense habits that will help increase fuel efficiency, reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimize harmful vehicle emissions.

Preparing your vehicle for winter while temperatures are still mild can help save time and money, according to Georgia’s Clean Air Force.

“Winters can be harsh, even in Georgia. Fall is a good time to look at the ways that you can prepare your vehicle for winter,” said Pamela Earl, Mobile & Area Sources Program Manager, Georgia Environmental Protection Division. “By following these expert tips, motorists can extend the life of their vehicle, while increasing performance and promoting cleaner air.”

• Weatherproof Your Windshield. Most regular windshield wiper fluids are made up of mainly water. Replace it with solvents specially formulated for cold weather in order to easily melt frost and ice. Windshield washer solvents can protect your windshield washing system in icy weather and should be purchased locally. Ideally, wiper blades should be replaced every fall - a proactive action that is easy and inexpensive. No special tools are required, and average costs range from $10 to $20.
• Take Care of Your Tires. Check your spare tire to ensure that it is properly inflated. Nearly two billion gallons of gas each year could be saved if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated. Therefore, it’s important to check your tires regularly. Cold weather can cause your tires to have a less-than-recommended pressure in them. The appropriate pressure range is listed in your vehicle's owner manual, noted on a sticker located on the driver's doorjamb, and can be found on the sidewall of the tires themselves.
• Don’t Forget to Check Your Brakes. Brakes are always critical to vehicle safety, but these become particularly important when driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Don’t wait until winter to find out there’s a problem. Check your entire brake system, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Many auto shops provide complimentary brake checks with the purchase of other services, such as an oil change.
• Confirm Any Special Winter Oil Needs. Some vehicles require different engine oil in very cold weather. Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil to use in winter weather.
• Set Reminders. It’s easy to forget important maintenance milestones, such as when to get your vehicle serviced or to check your battery. The National Car Care Council has a free personalized schedule and email reminder service that makes it simple to keep your car safe and reliable all year long. Visit www.carcare.org/car-care-service-schedules/custom-service-schedule.

For additional information, visit Georgia’s Clean Air Force at www.cleanairforce.com.

About Georgia’s Clean Air Force
Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), is responsible for the management of the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Program throughout Atlanta's 13 metro counties. Since 1996, Georgia's Inspection and Maintenance Program has prevented more than 1.6 million tons of harmful ozone-forming pollutants from entering the air we breathe, the equivalent of removing 13,400 vehicles from the road or planting more than 400 million trees. The program has also identified and repaired more than 3.4 million heavy-polluting vehicles. For more information, please visit www.cleanairforce.com.