Preventative Maintenance Important As Vehicles Age

August 26, 2019

The average age of vehicles on the road is rising, and as cars get older, they need more service and repair. The non–profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists who own an older car, truck or SUV become more diligent about preventative maintenance.

“With the average vehicle age exceeding 11.5 years, the chance of a breakdown or service issue on an older vehicle is much greater,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “The Car Care Council urges drivers of older vehicles to implement a preventative maintenance plan for their vehicle to minimize the chances of a roadside breakdown and to also help their vehicle run more efficiently and economically.”

According to Experian Automotive, the average age of passenger vehicles on the road is rising, up from 11.29 years in the first quarter of 2015 to 11.61 years in 2019. The most common maintenance procedures to keep a car operating safely and reliably, while maintaining its long term value, involve checking the oil, filters and fluids, the belts and hoses, brakes, tires and air conditioning. An annual tune–up and wheel alignment are also recommended.

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Spark Plugs Need to Be Replaced Periodically

Ignite Engine Performance with Spark Plug Check

 

BETHESDA, Md., July 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ That little engine part called the spark plug performs a huge job in delivering a vehicle’s power, performance, dependability and fuel efficiency. According to the non–profit Car Care Council, they should be replaced periodically.

“Spark plugs are one of the hardest working parts of a vehicle. A spark plug can fire 400 times per minute per cylinder or 1,600 times a minute on a four cylinder engine,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

“Many car owners delay spark plug repair on their vehicles, even after they have failed. This is a mistake since fouled, damaged or worn out spark plugs can lead to engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency and poor performance like misfiring, hard starting and sluggish acceleration.”

If you spot any of the following symptoms, the Car Care Council recommends having your vehicle checked to prevent more costly problems from developing.

• Rattling, pinging or knocking noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. Pistons travel at high velocities; if the spark plug fires at the wrong time, this could lead to constant rattling, pinging or knocking sounds.


• Hard vehicle start. If your car is having trouble starting or just feels disjointed and jerky, your spark plugs may not be working right. This can lead to misfires and erratic performance.


• Reduced performance. Spark plugs fire when you accelerate and change gears. If the spark that the plug generates isn’t functioning at 100 percent, your vehicle performance will be poor, and you’ll experience a sluggish and fuel wasting drive.


• Poor fuel economy. Lots of things can lead to poor fuel economy. In the case of old spark plugs, fuel is wasted because your vehicle fails to receive the proper, heat generating spark at the right time.

It is recommended that consumers consult their owner’s manual for the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended spark plug replacement intervals. The council also recommends replacing all of the plugs at the same time and with the same type of spark plug that the vehicle was originally equipped.

“Replacing spark plugs is a relatively inexpensive maintenance task and can be performed by a do–it–yourselfer or by a professional technician at any auto repair shop,” said White.