 NewsUSA) – Some day, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be commonplace, but in the meantime, motorists who want to go “green” don’t have to change vehicles to help the environment. The experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair, say that drivers simply need to change a few habits. “Regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits are two strategies that virtually every vehicle owner can embrace,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director at ASE. The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious care today:
* Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual. * Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Inflated tires reduce the engine’s effort and gasoline consumption. * Find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians’ credentials. ASE-certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign. * Have your vehicle’s air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service. * Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations; both habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. * Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Remove that rooftop luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag. * If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government for information. Visit www.ase.com for more seasonal car care tips and for information about the benefits of using ASE-certified technicians for auto repairs and service. |
Earth-Friendly Tips for Motorists
Be Prepared When the Rubber Meets the Snow
 NewsUSA) – Millions of motorists will be taking to the highways and byways for holiday travel, so the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind drivers to have their vehicle checked out before heading out. “Breakdowns in winter conditions can be especially dangerous,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director.
The following tips from ASE will help vehicle owners choose a good repair shop. * Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. * Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations, and consult local consumer groups. * Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. * Look for the ASE sign. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. * Be ready to describe any changes in your vehicle’s handling or performance or other issues. Do not be embarrassed to ask for simple definitions for any technical terms you find unfamiliar. * Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. Visit www.ase.com for more information, including seasonal car-care tips. |
Tips for Cold Weather Driving
 NewsUSA) – The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind motorists that getting their vehicles serviced for cold-weather driving should be high on their list of things to do during autumn’s milder weather. Breakdowns in winter storms can be deadly.
“Pay particular attention to engine performance problems such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Cold weather will make existing problems worse.” Other tips from ASE: * Read your owner’s manual, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. * Replace dirty filters such as air, fuel and PCV. Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. * The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.) A certified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses. * The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment, but backyarders can perform routine care such as scraping corrosion from posts and cable connections. (Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.) * Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. * Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. They can be found at all types of repair facilities from dealerships to independent garages and franchises. Visit www.ase.com for more information. |
Summer Conditions Stress Out Autos
 NewsUSA) – Whoever said, “It’s summertime, and the living is easy,” hasn’t looked under the hood of an automobile. Stop-and-go traffic, dusty roads and air conditioners running full blast put extra stress on automotive systems.
“In today’s tough economy, motorists may be tempted to put off automotive maintenance, but neglect will cause your vehicle to wear out sooner, burn more gasoline and pollute more than a regularly serviced car,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director of National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. “What’s worse, a minor problem can become an expensive headache if neglected.” ASE offers the following tips to help you choose an automotive repair facility: - Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. - Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. - Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. - Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. - Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. - Ask whether the repair facility specializes or whether it usually handles your type of repair work. - Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. - Look for evidence of qualified technicians: Trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. - Look for the ASE sign. Employers of ASE-certified technicians often display the blue and white ASE sign. Facilities with a high percentage of ASE-certified professionals may also be members of the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program. - Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com. |
Vacation Season is Coming … Is Your Car Ready?
 NewsUSA) – The old-fashioned auto vacation never goes out of style. It affords families with children a getaway without the expense and hassle of air travel. To make sure your road trip goes smoothly this summer, the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recommend that you have your vehicle checked out by a professional auto technician before you head to the beach or mountains.
“Just as you would make a vacation packing list, motorists should make a checklist for their vehicle before setting out for summer fun,” advises Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Your car’s owner manual is the perfect place to start.” The experts at the National Institute ASE offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready for summer: - Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. - Flush and refill the cooling system, or radiator, according to the service manual’s recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Let the engine cool down before removing the radiator cap. - Have drivability problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling — corrected. - If you are not a do-it-your-selfer, look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. - A qualified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses. - Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. - Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner’s manual. Properly dispose of used oil. - Replace other filters — such as air, fuel, PCV– as recommended. - Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let tires “cool down” before checking air pressure. - Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned-out bulbs. - Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer’s dust and insects. For more information, including additional car care tips, visit www.ase.com. |
