INDUSTRY NEWS
NAPA, AAA List Top Five Vehicle IssuesATLANTA, GA (Sept. 24, 2007) - Tire pressure was the number one vehicle issue identified during the most recent
nationwide
Make Sense of Car Care clinics conducted by AAA and NAPA affiliated repair facilities. These
results are based on inspections conducted on 6,082 vehicles by 25
different AAA clubs, in partnership with NAPA. "Drivers should check tire pressure at least once a month to_> ensure tires are not under or over-inflated," said Kit Johnson, the_2007 NAPA Technician of the Year from East Helena, Mont. "Low
pressure in the tires can increase wear and fuel consumption, while having too much pressure may reduce traction. Keeping tires properly aligned will also help assure longer tire life and improve fuel
economy." During the AAA events, inspectors also discovered the following: * A clogged air filter was the second most common issue. Johnson says that maintaining and replacing air filters as often as recommended in the owner's manual will ensure better air
flow through the engine. This, in turn, will improve engine efficiency and result in more power and better fuel
mileage. * Insufficient tire tread depth was the third most common problem. For sufficient traction, tires should have a
minimum of 3/32" tread depth. Johnson recommends using a depth gauge or a penny to measure your tire's tread depth. "If using
a penny, insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's face showing and his head upside down," says Johnson. "If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs to be replaced." Most tires also have built-in tread wear indicators that
let the driver know when tire replacement is necessary. * Engine oil that was low or needed changing was the fourth most common situation. Dirty oil will increase engine wear,
whilelow oil levels can lead to overheating. If the oil level drops too low, lubrication will be lost and severe engine damage
can result. Regular oil changes will add longevity to the engine. * The fifth most troublesome item was worn-out windshield wiper blades. Rigid, cracked or torn wiper blades can greatly
reduce visibility when driving in rain and snow. Johnson recommends
examining and replacing them once a year, or sooner if_ streaking begins. Other areas cited as needing attention during the inspections included transmission fluid, engine coolant, antifreeze
protection (for a minimum of -25 degrees Fahrenheit), battery cables/clamps/terminals and windshield washer
fluid.
(Source: NAPA) 
