Think all cars need to be maintained the same way?  Think again.

Kicking Tires reports, “Drivers often underestimate how hard they’re being on their cars and fail to take into account these severe driving habits when following a maintenance schedule, according to AAA.”

The Detroit News says, “When polled recently by AAA, only 6 percent of motorists felt they did most of their driving under severe conditions.  But when asked about the actual driving behaviors that create severe operating conditions, 62 percent of motorists admitted they drive their vehicle that way all or most of the time.”

So, what counts as severe conditions? Things that you might not think cause extra wear and tear on your car.

Trips of less than five miles, or less than ten miles in freezing temperaturesDriving at less than 50 miles per hour over long distancesDriving in stop and go traffic in hot weatherDriving with a roof rack or towing a trailerDriving on dusty, sandy, or gravel roads, or on roads that have been treated with salt

According to the Detroit News, AAA advises drivers to “learn what the manufacturer considers normal and severe driving conditions for their vehicles. Make an honest assessment of their driving habits. Schedule service in accordance with the appropriate maintenance schedule.”

Kicking Tires adds, “Most people don’t understand how hard they are on their vehicles, so it’s important to take an honest account of your driving habits, learn what your vehicle’s manufacturer considers severe conditions and then schedule maintenance appropriately.” 

If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals

More source:

» How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums
Maintain a Safe Following Distance (The 3 Second Rule) - Smart ...
Auto insurance: What to do if your policy gets canceled - MSN Money
Buying a New Car - BBB News Center

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Submited at Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm on Uncategorized by froskey
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