Car Care Tips

Here, at American Tire & Auto Care, we want our customers to be in the know about how to properly care for your car or truck. We want you to understand why and how your tires wear; how to get the best gas mileage; and overall how to get the most out of your tires. Hopefully, with these helpful tips you will be able to improve gas mileage when driving in and around the state of New Jersey, reduce tire tread, and understand when and why your car needs to be serviced by American Tire & Auto Care. Call your nearest American Tire & Auto Care location today to schedule your next maintenance appointment.

Car Maintenance & Care

Service

How Often?
Regular Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles
Synthetic Oil Change Every 5,000 Miles
Change Antifreeze Fluid Every 30,000 Miles
Change Brake Fluid Every 30,000 Miles
Change Transmission Fluid Every 30,000 Miles
Schedule a Maintenance Check Every 15,000 Miles
Replace Your Air Filter Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles
(whichever comes first)
Replace Your Fuel Filter Every 12 Months or 12,000 Miles
(whichever comes first)

Change your fluids on time, every time.

Tire Maintenance & Care

Service

How Often?
Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 Miles or Every 6 Months.
Check Your Tire Pressures At Least Once a Week
Ensure Your Wheels are Aligned Always
Check Your Spare Tire Once Every Month
Check Your Tire Tread Once Every Month

Tips for Checking Tire Pressure: Low tire pressures can affect fuel economy, handling and comfort. To accurately measure your tire pressure, check tires when they are cold. Wait at least three hours after driving.

Tips for Checking Tire Tread: Use the penny trick to determine if the tread on your tires is worn to low. Take a penny and put Abraham Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves of the tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you’re ok. If you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace the tire. When the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch, tires must be replaced.

Gas Mileage Tips

  • Check and/or change your air filter every 6 months to improve fuel economy and keep your engine running smoothly.
  • Don’t top off. Don’t bother topping off when filling your car’s gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out.
  • Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car’s gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year.
  • Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also evaporates fuel from your gas tank.
  • Use the right oil. You can improve your car’s gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil.