Could your car keep going forever? Barring a collision, it‰s possible, says the Car Care Council. A quarter million miles or more won‰t make the Guinness Book of World Records, but if your vehicle has passed that milestone it usually means the caretaker is doing something right.
If you‰re the person responsible for your vehicle‰s maintenance, the Council hopes you can pass this Car Life Quiz. If you‰re not the one in charge, give it a try; you might learn something valuable.
On most cars the component most commonly recommended for replacement around or before the 100,000 mile mark is the A) starter, B) alternator, C) timing belt.
Regularly investing in which of the following services is most likely to extend the life of your car: A) tune-up, B) oil and filter change, C) keeping the wheels aligned and tires balanced.
How much difference does high mileage make? The trade-in appraisal of a 7-year-old car with 150,000 miles on the odometer typically might be: A) 10% less, B) 20% less, C) 40% less than that of an identical vehicle that‰s been driven only 80,000 miles.
The most important maintenance procedure to keep your car looking good, year after year, is to A) keep it washed and waxed regularly; B) have rustproof undercoating applied at least every other year; C) repair paint chips and dents as soon as possible after they occur.
A determining factor in whether or not to replace a vehicle is when: A) the vehicle no longer suits the owner‰s needs, B) results of a thorough examination and evaluation of the vehicle so dictate, C) when finance rates drop too low to resist.
Answers
C) is correct. The timing belt should be replaced in accordance with your car maker‰s recommendations, generally at 60,000 mile intervals. When in doubt, check your owner‰s manual.
B) is correct. While all three services are important, regular engine oil and filter replacement contribute most to extended vehicle life. Wheel alignment and balance make tires last longer. A tune-up means different things to different cars. On most vehicles today this term refers to engine analysis, adjustments and replacement of ignition, fuel and emissions control components. It‰s a scheduled maintenance measure. Many cars have no distributor cap or rotor. Computers built into the car handle all fuel mixture and idle speed adjustments. Only spark plugs, plug wires and fuel and air filters remain today as components associated with a tune-up.
C) is correct. Lower than usual mileage on the odometer increases the value, while abnormally high mileage is detrimental to the appraisal. All other things being equal, evidence of good maintenance helps the trade-in or resale value.
C) While A) and C) contribute to vehicle‰s appearance, washing and waxing over paint chips and dents can be a losing proposition. Car Care Council recommends fixing body damage as soon as possible after it discovered to prevent rust.
Both A) and B) are correct. When a family outgrows its vehicle, for example, it may be time to look into replacement. Also, time and miles take their toll. A comprehensive inspection can help determine the pro‰s and con‰s of fixing up and keeping the family car vs. trading up.
To help explore the evaluation option, Car Care Council offers a free pamphlet outlining what areas should be checked when your car is inspected. For your copy, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Car Care Council, Dept. SE1-XI, 42 Park Drive, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Visit us on the web at www.carcarecouncil.org.
