As New Car Costs Increase Consumers Opt to Maintain Their Current Vehicles

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Jul 7, 2016) - While buying a new car may seem like an exciting venture, a recent survey conducted by a leading financial institution found that most median-income households in the 50 largest U.S. cities unfortunately cannot afford the average-priced new vehicle. Rather than spending a big chunk of the monthly budget on a new car, smart consumers are starting to look for ways to protect their current investment. Gold Eagle Co., the makers of America's #1 selling brand of fuel stabilizers and ethanol treatments, STA-BIL®, has simple steps consumers can take to maintain and protect their vehicles, keeping them running better, longer.

By investing time in regular upkeep of their vehicle's appearance and mechanical maintenance, consumers can reallocate funds to other important expenditures like, education, family and fun. To help cut costs and ensure optional performance, here are some easy ways consumers can keep their current car running its best and prolong the need for purchasing new:

• Check the engine oil - Make sure to check the oil regularly and more often if there is an oil leak or there is a need to add oil routinely. Try to avoid overfilling and to prevent rust and corrosion above and below the fuel line, use an oil stabilizer like STA-BIL 360 Oil Stabilizer. A good oil stabilizer will reduce friction, heat and wear and help prolong engine life.
  
  
• Check tire air pressure - Once a month and before any extended road trips, use an accurate tire-pressure gauge to check the inflation pressure in each tire, including the spare. Underinflated tires will make tires wear unevenly and can negatively impact performance. In addition, keeping tire pressure at the recommended level can boost fuel efficiency. Check the tires when they are cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire's sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment or in the owner's manual.
  
  
• Give it a wash inside and out - Give the car a good detailing both inside and out on a regular basis to prevent rust and other wear. Wash the body and hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt, debris and road salt. To avoid the high costs of going to the detailer consumers can easily clean and protect their car by themselves by using an all-in-one cleaner like 303 Automotive Speed Detailer. It provides an instant new car shine, plus it provides an added layer of protection from damaging UV rays. For the inside, try 303 Automotive Multi-Surface cleaner to brighten and rejuvenate surfaces and fabrics. It removes even the most stubborn spots from spilled coffee, oil, grease and ink stains from virtually any material or surface.
  
  
• Check air filter - Remove the air-filter element and hold it up to a strong light. If there is no light seeping through, replace it. Regardless, always follow the recommended service intervals.
  
  
• Check the fluids - On cars where the automatic transmission is not sealed, check the transmission dipstick with the engine warmed up and running (see the owner's manual for details). Also check the power-steering-pump dipstick and the level in the brake-fluid reservoir. If the brake-fluid level is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.
  
  
• Maintain the brakes - The brakes should be checked at least twice per year; more often if the vehicle is driven regularly. Engage an expert to replace excessively worn pads or linings, and have badly scored rotors or drums machined or replaced.
  
  
• Change the timing belt - If the vehicle has a belt instead of a chain, stick to the manufacturer's recommended replacement interval -- usually every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Check the owner's manual or consult a dealer. Failure to change the timing belt can result in a very expensive engine repair if the belt should break.
  
  

To learn more about Gold Eagle Co. and their family of products visit: http://www.goldeagle.com/

About Gold Eagle Co.
For more than 80 years, Gold Eagle® Co. has been an industry pioneer in the production and distribution of aftermarket fluids and additives. We create products that help preserve, protect and enhance the performance of engines everywhere. We are a leader in the product development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of branded engine performance and maintenance chemicals. Privately held and headquartered in Chicago, Gold Eagle Co. is the manufacturer of leading brands, including STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer, HEET® Gas-Line Antifreeze, NO LEAK® Treatments, 104+® Octane Boost, Start Your Engines!®, DieselPower!® Diesel Additives, 303® Aerospace Protectant and 303® Fabric Guard. To view our complete line of Gold Eagle products or learn more about the Company, please visit http://www.goldeagle.com or "like" our STA-BIL, 303 Products, Start Your Engines! or Engine Answerman pages on Facebook. For product questions, please call us at 800-621-1251 or follow us on Twitter @GoldEagleHelp.

All trademarks, service marks and trade names, including STA-BIL®, HEET®, Start Your Engines! ®, NO LEAK®, ALUMASEAL®, Gold Eagle®, DieselPower! ®, Golden Touch®, 104+®, Cool Rides Online® and 303® Products used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gold Eagle Co. The aforesaid families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Gold Eagle Co. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.