Preventing Auto RepairsYou cannot prevent all automobile problems, but by staying alert to signs of trouble and performing regular maintenance, you may avoid costly breakdowns.Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Most auto manufacturers provide a recommended maintenance schedule for specific types of driving. Following their guidelines can keep your car running smoothly and prevent major problems.Keep up with routine maintenance. Because so many parts on your car are connected, neglecting problems with one part can cause complications with others. Have your car checked at the first sign of trouble, and do not underestimate the importance of simple maintenance like changing the oil or checking fuel levels. Ignoring these minor tasks can lead to unreliability, poor mileage, or even expensive breakdowns.Know your vehicle. Do not let car problems blindside you. By knowing how your car usually performs, you can spot trouble early, perhaps early enough to fix the problem before it causes more damage. Pay attention to how your car usually feels and sounds. If you notice any changes, investigate them. They may stem from minor issues, such as the need for an oil change or a tune-up, but they may also be symptomatic of more serious problems. Strange smells, sounds, or changes in the way a car handles should be taken seriously; they may be early signs of trouble. News source: Car Advisor

DETROIT – Domestic automakers’ sales slid in June, lashed by higher gas prices and by tough comparisons with last summer’s discount-driven bonanza, the companies said on Monday.Struggling General Motors Corp. got the worst beating; its sales plunged 25.7 percent last month.But rising fuel costs were a boon to Toyota Motor Corp., which credited its fuel-efficient lineup for much of its 14.4 percent sales increase over June 2005. Honda Motor Co.’s U.S. sales were flat.Sales from a year ago slipped 15.5 percent at DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group and 6.8 percent at Ford Motor Co., the companies reported Monday.Across the industry, sales were down 10.5 percent, with truck sales plummeting 19.4 percent and cars inching up 1.6 percent, according to Autodata Corp. The seasonally adjusted sales rate for June, which shows what total sales would be if they remained at the same rate for the entire year, was 16.3 million vehicles. Automakers sold 17 million vehicles in 2005. News source: AP