The distinction follows the Feb. 22 recognition by The Wall Street Journal for leading shareholder return for the past five years in the automotive category and recent acknowledgement that Goodyear was among the Top 100 Corporate Citizens selected by Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine. “We see these recognition achievements as both validation of our strategic direction and continuation of our position momentum,” Keegan said.

In an e-mail to associates about the Fortune recognition, Keegan wrote, “Now you can start to believe what is possible if we continue the positive momentum that we have driven by successful execution against our strategies. There is no question that we now have the attention of our peers. We now have their respect. In many ways, that makes continuing the momentum more difficult because we now become the target. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

He continued, “We still have challenges ahead of us in an uncertain economy, but there is no question that we are on the right path. We know it, and our peers know it. Thank you for helping earn this distinction. Now, let’s show the world what we can really accomplish.”

The 2008 Fortune listing of Most Admired Companies in America placed Goodyear, once again, at No. 2 in the motor vehicle parts industry. Johnson Controls repeated as No. 1. Bridgestone, the only other tire company to make the list of 11 firms was sixth, down from third last year.

Preventive Maintenance

Motorist Tips | Service Interval Schedule | Know Your Rights

Reasons to perform routine Preventive Maintenance on your vehicle

Preventive Maintenance is a schedule of planned maintenance actions aimed at the prevention of breakdowns and failures. The primary goal of preventive maintenance is to help prolong the life of the vehicle and reduce vehicle failures therefore providing a worry free driving experience. Automotive technicians say the key to keeping vehicles running well today and down the road, is routine preventive maintenance. Many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday automotive basics.

A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:

• 38 percent of cars had low or dirty engine oil.
• 54 percent had low tire pressure.
• 28 percent had inadequate cooling protection.
• 19 percent needed new belts.
• 16 percent had dirty air filters.
• 10 percent had low or contaminated brake fluid.

For your convenience, the Car Care Council developed a Service Interval Schedule to help you keep track of regular maintenance. Most of the checks and services described here can be done at little or no cost. Best of all, they are quick and easy to do.

Preventive Maintenance

Motorist Tips | Service Interval Schedule | Know Your Rights

Know Your RightsFrequently Asked Questions By Owners Of New Or Leased Vehicles

My new car dealer says I have to return to their facility for all of my car’s Maintenance to keep from voiding the warranty. Is this true?

Absolutely Not. You can have routine service done by any competent independent service station, shop or garage and still maintain your warranty.

Do I have to use the manufacturer’s original equipment parts to keep my warranty valid?

No! Legally, automakers cannot specify the use of their or anyone else’s parts for your vehicle’s Maintenance. You may use any brand-name quality parts such as CARQUEST to replace fan belts, hoses, brakes, exhausts, chassis parts, oil and more.

What do I have to do to keep my car or truck’s warranty in effect?

Make sure your vehicle is serviced at the intervals specified in your Owner’s Manual or Warranty Booklet and keep very clear records of your vehicle’s Maintenance. Be sure to have the date, parts installed, vehicle identification number and mileage recorded on the invoice. Keep these receipts in a safe place. If you have a service log in your Owner’s Manual or Warranty Booklet, use it.

My car is a leased vehicle. Am I responsible for Maintenance?

Yes! Even if you lease a vehicle you are responsible for all Maintenance and repairs and to keep the vehicle in good working order and condition as outlined in the Owner’s Manual. Auto Technician

What parts should be replaced and at what intervals should these services be performed?

Check your owner’s manual. It will give you all of the information you need regarding what parts to replace and when to do it. Make sure to read it thoroughly and note any exceptions or severe service notations. Warranties are there to protect the consumer, but you must follow the requirements.

What if my new car needs repairs other than regularly scheduled Maintenance such as a brake job or other repairs? Do I have to return to the dealer for these repairs? What if these repairs are covered under my warranty?

The choice of where to have your car serviced and repaired is yours. As far as repairs covered by the warranty, you will probably have to take the car back to the dealer. Thoroughly check your warranty to be certain that the repairs are covered.

How does the quality of aftermarket parts compare with original equipment parts?

Some are manufactured by the same supplier and may even be warranted longer than original equipment parts. Aftermarket parts supplied by CARQUEST meet or exceed manufacturers specifications.

If I do have a warranty-related problem with a dealership, what rights do I have?

If you have a problem, contact the customer service department of the car manufacturer and ask for assistance. They are concerned with customer satisfaction and may be able to help.

Know Your Rights When It Comes to Vehicle Repair and Maintenance

From Acuras to Volvos, Buicks to Saturns, we can help you protect your new car or truck warranty. By using our quality service and parts, our technicians can perform all of your new foreign or domestic vehicle’s Maintenance and repairs while keeping your warranty in effect. You don’t have to return to the new car dealer for scheduled service or checkups to ensure your manufacturer’s warranty remains in force. We bring you this information because you have the right to have your vehicle serviced wherever you choose. Ask us how we can help you protect your vehicle’s warranty.

Preventive Maintenance

Motorist Tips | Service Interval Schedule | Know Your Rights

Motorist Tips

You Should Know:
• Tips For Motorists
• Summer Prevention Tips
• A Clean Car is Cool
• Advice Worth Repeating
• Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off
• Tips to Keep Your Car In Shape for Road Trips

Routine Maintenance:
• Keeping Up with Preventive Maintenance is Easy!
• Time To Check Your Wiper Blades…
• Your Car’s Safety Check Should Start With A Stop
• What’s a Cabin Air Filter?
• Inspections Show Most Vehicles Need More Care
• Buying a New Car?

Under the Hood:
• Ease Your Gas Pump Pain
• Chassis Systems
• Cold Fact About A/C Refrigerant
• It’s All in the Timing

 Preventive Maintenance

Motorist Tips | Service Interval Schedule | Know Your Rights

Service Interval Schedule

Vehicle System or Component	Check Monthly	Check Every 3,000 Miles	Service Notes
Automatic Transmission Fluid			Check level with engine running and transmission in park. If low, add type of ATF specified in owners’ manual and/or on dipstick. For best results change every two years or 24,000 miles
Battery and Cables			Battery should be securely mounted. Battery connections should be clean, tight and corrosion-free. If your car’s battery is three years old or more, it should be replaced
Belts			Check for looseness, cracks or glazing. Replace V-belts every four years/36,000 miles. Replace serpentine belts every four years/50,000 miles, or sooner if needed. Replace belt per interval specified in owner’s manual. Typically, this is at 60,000 miles. Not replacing the belt as required could cause a breakdown or serious engine damage
Brakes and Brake Fluid			For best results, have the entire brake system - including brake linings - inspected at every other oil change.
Cabin Air Filter			Replace annually, more often in areas with heavy airborn containments
Chassis Lubrication			Many newer cars are lubed-for-life, some still require this service. Replacement steering and suspension components require periodic lubrication.
Check Engine Light On			If light comes on while driving or remains on, your engine may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be checked by a professional technician. If light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage.
Coolant (Antifreeze)			Check level at reservoir. Do not open hot radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water.
Engine Air Filter			Replace yearly, or when dirty. Inspect annually, more often if driving and road conditions dictate.
Engine Oil and Filter			Check level with engine off at every fill up. Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Use specified oil grade and weight.
Exhaust			Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. If you suspect a problem, have it inspected immediately by a professional technician.
Fuel Filter			On carbureted cars, replace the filter once a year. On cars with fuel injection, replace the filter every two years or 24,000 miles.
Hoses			Inspect for leaks, cracks or bulges, sponginess, brittleness and swelling. Replace hoses at lease every four years.
Lights			Replace bulb immediately if light is out.
Power Steering Fluid			Check the fluid with the car warmed up. Add approved type if low. If regular topping off is required, have system inspected for leaks.
Shock Absorbers and Struts			Inspect for leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware. Replace if worn, damaged or leaking. Have checked by a professional at lease once a year.
Tire Inflation and Condition			Inflate tires to recommended pressure. Replace tires if worn or damaged. Remember to check the spare. Check pressure of all tires including the spare. Check tread for wear and for cuts or bruised along the sidewalls.
Windshield Washer Fluid			Check level every other fill up. Some vehicles have two reservoirs. Do not use water. Use washer fluid only.
Wiper Blades			Replace when streaking or chattering.