Cash for Clunkers? Not in Canada

There’s been a lot of talk about “Cash for Clunkers,” the $3 billion U.S. federal scrappage program designed to stimulate the economy while taking 700,000 “clunkers” off the roads.

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That program has just expired, and for Canadian motorists, purchasing a new car under the “Cash for Clunkers” program was never an option. It should be noted that Canadians who treat their vehicles as valuable investments and commit to regular vehicle maintenance, end up saving a lot of money in the long term while still protecting the environment. “For many Canadians, the cost of a new car is prohibitive and keeping their current vehicles running efficiently is an affordable and environmentally-sound alternative,” said racecar driver and Be Car Care Aware spokesperson Kelly Williams. According to Runzheimer International, the difference in the savings over a four-year period between keeping a car and buying a new one is more than $10,000. Even if Canadians had a ‘Cash for Clunkers’ incentive, maintaining their current vehicle is the best economic option. Here are some preventive maintenance steps to help ensure reliability and safety, and extend vehicle life • Change the oil and filter every 5,000-8,000 kilometres or per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your car’s engine clean on the inside. • Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires effect its ride, fuel economy, handling, traction and safety. • Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car’s performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy, and produces the lowest level of emissions. • Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as normal wear, can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension. A wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety. •Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement. To learn more, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at [url=http://www.carcarecanada.ca]http://www.carcarecanada.ca[/url]

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