Regular car maintenance is essential – not only to your car, but to a driver's loved ones as well. More than five percent of vehicle accidents result from unperformed vehicle maintenance; resulting in 2,600 deaths, 100,000 disabling injuries and a cost of more than $2 billion every year, according to the Car Care Council. That's why SunTec Auto Glass, a Phoenix auto glass repair shop, celebrated the Council's Fall Car Care Month this month.

A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:

• 38% of cars had low or dirty engine oil
• 28% had inadequate cooling protection
• 54% had low tire pressure
• 19% needed new belts
• 16% had dirty air filters

Volunteer car technicians and auto glass repair companies in Phoenix and all across the country will help consumers prepare for the upcoming winter season and educate about proper car care safety. Subaru has announced their support of Fall Car Care Month. Owners of Subaru's can bring their cars into local dealerships for free inspections with particular focus on areas that minimize fuel consumption.

Leased cars are probably the easiest to maintain as they actually include indicator lights on the dashboard that tells you when its time for maintenance. Any new car purchased from a dealership includes the warranty and maintenance schedule; however, the dealership, and your local mechanic, will also send out reminders. For those used cars that might not come with a maintenance schedule, there are websites such as www.Edmunds.com which provide the appropriate information for just about every make and model vehicle.

Critical components that are checked at every service interval include automatic transmission fluid, battery and cables, belts, engine air and oil filter, exhaust, fuel filter, hoses, power steering fluid and tire inflation and condition. These should be checked according to the following schedule:

• Every three months or 3,000 miles
• Every six months or 6,000 miles
• Every 9 months or 9,000 miles
• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles

In addition to the above, your car should be checked monthly for lights, tire inflation, check engine light on and windshield washer fluid.

SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business in Arizona specializing in Phoenix windshield replacement, windshield repair, window tinting and glass etching. Contact them at (480) QUALITY or www.suntecautoglass.com to handle those chips and breaks in your line of vision… Complete your car care the right way.