Motorists Can Save Money, Extend Life of Vehicle by Following Simple Car Care Tips from Experts at AutoNation

During National Car Care Month in April, the experts at AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN) are inviting young adult drivers in Nevada to register for complimentary car care clinics while urging all drivers to take a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance, a move that can improve safety, boost fuel efficiency and reduce long-term repair costs.

“Our research has shown that many young drivers ignore dashboard warning indicators, sometimes for as long as three months or more,” said Christian Treiber, AutoNation’s President of After-Sales, citing a survey conducted online by Atomik Research on behalf of AutoNation among more than 1,000 U.S. parents of driving-age children. “Preventive maintenance remains the smartest financial and safety decision any vehicle owner can make, since small maintenance steps taken now help drivers prevent larger, more expensive problems down the road.”

Complimentary AutoNation Car Care Clinics scheduled at AutoNation locations throughout Nevada will emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, with simple, hands-on tips to promote safety and prevent costly repairs. In addition to car care tips, clinics incorporate driver safety education led by local community partners on topics from distracted and impaired driving to proper driving positioning, seatbelt usage and what to do when pulled over for a traffic violation or when faced with a field sobriety test. Participants receive a mini car care kit with essential items to support their safety and car care journey.

“National Car Care Month serves as an important reminder that routine maintenance protects drivers’ safety and their budgets. In addition, a vehicle that’s never missed an oil change and has a documented maintenance history might bring an owner as much as 10% higher trade-in value,” said Treiber, who recommends the following tips during National Car Care Month:

Check tire pressure and tread. Warmer temperatures are on the way and can affect tire pressure. Drivers should check tire pressure monthly and inspect tread depth before spring road trips. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, saving up to 11 cents per gallon, extend tire life by 4,700 miles, and enhance safety.

Inspect brakes and address warning signs early. Drivers shouldn’t wait for squealing, grinding or vibration during braking, all possible signs of wear and tear that can lead to costly repairs. Brake wear depends heavily on driving habits, and most manufacturers don’t list a fixed mileage for brake pad replacement. Instead, routine brake inspections are recommended at every tire rotation or oil change to determine when these should be replaced to avoid major service bills and minimize safety risks.

Test the battery before summer heat. High temperatures strain aging batteries. Testing batteries in April can help drivers avoid getting stranded when summer heat peaks. Most batteries last three to five years.

Replace wiper blades and inspect lights. Spring showers demand clear visibility. Drivers should replace worn wiper blades and confirm that headlights, brake lights and turn signals function properly.

Top off and replace essential fluids. Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid helps vehicles run efficiently and prevents wear on major systems that could lead to expensive fixes.

Replace air filters to improve efficiency. Maintaining a clean engine air filter can improve fuel efficiency and engine performance. Even small improvements in efficiency contribute to fuel savings over time.

Schedule a checkup. Factory-trained technicians will inspect the battery, tires, antifreeze, brakes, and headlights. At AutoNation, complimentary multi-point inspections include a vehicle status report, tire pressure adjustment, and fluid top-off.

AutoNation’s service experts also encourage drivers to review their owner’s manual for recommended service intervals.

AutoNation hosts complimentary Car Care Clinics at select stores, along with a variety of community-focused events year-round, reinforcing its commitment to supporting families and promoting safe driving practices nationwide. For information or to register to attend an upcoming AutoNation Car Care Clinic, visit https://tinyurl.com/FBAutoNationCarCareClinic.

For locations or to book a service, visit AutoNation.com.