BCAA

30 bCa a .CoM winter 2015 Replace engine air filter According to Miller, one minor but essential item to replace is the air filter for your vehicle's intake system, which is located in the engine bay. "The reason for changing this filter is that it filters all outside air that goes into the engine of the car, blocking out particles such as dirt, dust and foreign objects," explains Miller. The process takes only five to 15 minutes for most makes and involves unbuckling a few clamps, removing the old unit and installing the new one. As a bonus, adds Miller, new vehicles often have a warning system that alerts drivers when it's time to replace the air filter, usually between 24,000 and 48,000 kilometres. Change cabin air filter Like the filter for your engine, the cabin filter is responsible for ensuring all the unwanted particles floating around in the air outside of the car are trapped so they won't enter the interior and impact drivers and passengers. The time needed to replace the filter depends on the design of your particular vehicle – according to Miller, some simply require popping open a panel under the dashboard to gain access, while others may need you to take out the glove compartment to get to it. "Check your owner's manual, which will tell you the location of your cabin air filter." Check tire pressure This is one maintenance item that's extremely easy to do but often gets overlooked or ignored by drivers. As Miller explains, maintaining correct tire pressure is important because overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to premature wear, which causes increased rolling resistance that can impact steering and lead to poor fuel economy. "Driving with improperly inflated tires is like pushing a wheelbarrow full of dirt with a flat," notes Miller. "It's tough to move around and tough to steer." Checking your tire pressure only takes a couple of minutes and all you need is a tire pressure gauge – just remember that the tire must be cold to get an accurate reading. You can find the manufacturer-suggested PSI (per square inch) rating printed on the driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Check lights Especially at night, the exterior lighting on your vehicle is the primary way you stay visible to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. That's why your lights should be inspected regularly. "This is something Transport Canada recommends should be done regularly," says Miller, "which tells you how important it is. And checking your lights is actually very easy." Walk from the front to the back of the vehicle and from side to side ensuring all headlights, taillights, brake lights (get a roadside get under the hood Stu Miller manages BCAA's Auto Service Centres in Kelowna and Penticton. TIP! For basic DIY auto maintenance, consider getting your parts from a NAPA store, where BCAA Members save 10% on retail-priced parts and accessories. bcaa.com/napa

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