Protect your car with regular checkups

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Although the ‘cash for clunkers’ program was termed “successful beyond anybody’s imagination,” as President Barack Obama put it, most Americans are not driving brand-new cars.
    The median age of passenger cars in operation increased to 9.4 years back in 2008, breaking the previous two-year record high of 9.2 years according to the most recent survey by R.L. Polk & Co., an automotive information and marketing company. “The current economic environment, coupled with high gas prices last spring and summer, resulted in consumers delaying purchases of vehicles because their discretionary income has fallen,” said Dave Goebel a Polk consultant.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabroooks
BRAIN SURGERY — Lawrence Wiggins, owner of Wiggins Auto Repair, is seen in his shop on River Street in Houlton working on a car’s ignition module. He says “it’s one of the brains of the car.”
    Lawrence Wiggins, owner of Wiggins Auto Repair, is an automotive mechanic in Houlton with 54 years’ of experience. He said routine maintenance is crucial to keeping any car running well even though many drivers ignore the importance of regular checkups for their car. One of the most important things people delay or ignore is changing the oil and filters, according to Wiggins. He says it’s a good idea to change those two things every 3,000 miles; brakes at about 30,000 miles. That’s also a good time to check hoses and belts since they can become brittle. “Whenever I do car service, I’m always looking at belts and hoses and possible leaks. If I see any problems, I like to tell the customer,” said Wiggins.
    In another recent survey, by the Car Care Council — an industry trade group — nearly one-third of all cars and light trucks have belts or hoses that should probably be replaced. By checking those belts and hoses, a driver can often prevent costly repairs in the future. Belts, for example, are used on most engines to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. If a belt snaps, the driver and passengers could end up stranded in a remote area. A broken or blown hose could result in an overheated engine causing damage to the engine.
    When it comes to tuneups, Wiggins said even if you’re due for one at around 100,000 miles according to your owner’s manual, he suggests doing it at 50,000. He said that’s the time to have a mechanic check spark plugs, brakes, gas filters, air filters, belts, lights and hoses for any leaks. And, he’s backed up by a Car Care Council survey that found the following: 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil, 54 percent had low tire pressure, 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection, 19 percent needed new belts, 16 percent had dirty air filters and 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.
    Wiggins also stressed the importance of listening for that telltale squeak of worn brakes. The best way to prolong the life of brakes, he says, may not appeal to some drivers. But he insists they need to hear it: “Don’t go down the street at 40 mph and jam on the brakes. Everybody is in a hurry.” He said by slamming on the brakes “it heats up and warps the rotors.”
    Also, Wiggins pointed out that it’s important to check and change the transmission fluid around 30,000 miles or every other oil change. And, he says every time you have your car serviced, it’s a good habit to get into — have the tires rotated and the tire pressure checked. By following some auto basics, drivers can prolong the life of a vehicle, avoid costly repairs that result from delays and drive more safely. Being proactive is the key to keeping a car running well and holding down expenses. “Some people just let their car service go until something small ends up causing damage. Then it turns into an expensive repair,” stated Wiggins.
    He emphasized the importance of taking a vehicle in for service and keeping it clean inside and out. That also means keeping salt off your car or truck because when snow starts falling, the salt is not far behind. Since October is Fall Car Care Month, it’s a chance to make sure that your vehicle is ready for winter and up-to-date on any maintenance. After all, a vehicle is often a person’s second most expensive investment.
    Readers can contact Wiggins Auto Repair, 31 River Street, Houlton, by calling 532-2088.