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Show FE3 Givn Ess, Out Will Vltlb Patrons of self-service gasoline stations can save money, but the practice can be costly if regular maintenance is neglected, warns the Automotive Information Infor-mation Council (AIC). THE OPERATOR of a Los Angeles service station, who has both full-service and self-service self-service islands, recently checked the cars of 100 customers cus-tomers who pump their own fuel. Of the 100 cars he found: 56 were a't least a quart low on oil, 34 needed radiator coolant, 33 had at least one tire well below recommended pressure, 29 needed power steering fluid, 28 were low on brake fluid, and 27 were low on battery water. "ALL OF these items are so easy to check and so inexpensive inexpen-sive to remedy that a motorist is being very unwise to neglect them," said AIC. No tools are needed for any of these engine-compartment checks and the tires need only a pencil-type gauge which can be purchased for a dollar or -two. When checking the tires don't forget the spare in the trunk. ALL OF those points can be checked in just a few minutes, says AIC, which then suggests that each motorist mo-torist make them while timing tim-ing the minutes involved. Oil should be checked weekly and the other items every two or three weeks. ALSO, WHEN you have the hood up, occasionally check the air filter to see that it's not dirty, the hoses for cracks or small leaks, and the belts for fraying and proper tension . and clean the headlights. Paying attention to these items can save big dollars in repairs and possible inconvenience. in-convenience. PERUSAL OF the vehicle owner's manual will provide you with recommended intervals inter-vals of other types of maintenance which, when followed will save money. AIC also warned motorists whose cars need unleaded fuel not to pump leaded gas. Such a practice will harm the catalytic converter and could void the warranty. TAKE CARE of your car and it will take care of you, says the Automotive Information Infor-mation Council. |