Broward College Automotive Technology Instructor Offers Car Care Tips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 31, 2014) -- To commemorate National Car Care Month in April and raise awareness about the importance of caring for your vehicle during the summer’s high temperatures, Timothy Wawerczyk, GM-ASEP instructor from Broward College’s Automotive Technology Program, has provided simple tips on vehicle maintenance and care.

Get regular checkups: Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance can be a tedious task, but taking the time to have your car routinely inspected can help prolong its longevity. “Regular upkeep is key to a vehicle’s life,” said Wawerczyk. “Common items that should be checked and replaced regularly include engine oil, and air and oil filters. It is also important to rotate tires and check the air pressure.”

Use your senses: Stay in tune with your vehicle by using your senses to inspect its condition. Whether it’s a strange noise, check engine light or an unexpected jolt while driving, catching a problem in the beginning is the best bet when trying to avoid a car care catastrophe. “Being aware is the first step to enjoying your vehicle,” said Wawerczyk. “It is not only important to use your basic senses like sight, sound, feel and smell, it is also important to use common sense.  If you think something is a little off, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. You can save time, money and avoid aggravation.” In addition, Wawerczyk recommends a quick visual inspection under the hood to check for areas that require attention. Burning smells, areas of wetness, swelled or leaking rubber hoses, and low fluid levels are common indicators that something needs to be serviced or repaired.

Don’t forget the little things: Windshield wipers are often neglected, until debris needs to be removed from the windshield to ensure visibility. Routinely checking your blades to confirm the rubber is still intact, not ridged and worn, and refilling the cleaning fluids are simple steps to make sure your wipers are working effectively. “Visibility is important to safe driving,” said Wawerczyk. “Keep in mind that windshield wipers need to be replaced, and they are an easy and affordable solution to keep glass from streaking and scratching.”

For more information on Broward College’s Automotive Technology Program and the General Motors Automobile Service Educational Program, contact Anthony Digirolamo at 954-201-8616 or adigiro1@broward.edu.