THE ISSUE: 'Cash for Clunkers’

OUR OPINION: End of program is time for assessing new and old

The controversial “Cash for Clunkers” program is history. Despite complaints from politicians about the government getting deeper in the auto business, and the auto business citing government delays in providing money, “Cash for Clunkers” was undeniably popular among thousands and thousands of Americans.

The U.S. Transportation Department, not surprisingly, is singing the praises of the “Clunkers” program

Nearly 700,000 old vehicles were taken off the road, replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles. Rebate applications worth $2.877 billion were submitted by the 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline, under the $3 billion provided by Congress to run the program.

Cars made in America topped the most-purchased list, from the Ford Focus to the Toyota Corolla to the Honda Civic, according to DOT.

A preliminary analysis by the White House Council of Economic Advisers shows the CARS program will:

n Boost economic growth in the third quarter of 2009 by .3-.4 percentage points at an annual rate thanks to increased auto sales in July and August.

n Sustain the increase in GDP in the fourth quarter because of increased auto production to replace depleted inventories.

n Create or save 42,000 jobs in the second half of 2009. Those jobs are expected to remain well after the program’s close.

“American consumers and workers were the clear winners thanks to the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “Manufacturing plants have added shifts and recalled workers. Moribund showrooms were brought back to life and consumers bought fuel-efficient cars that will save them money and improve the environment.

“This is one of the best economic news stories we’ve seen and I’m proud we were able to give consumers a helping hand,” LaHood said.

Well it should be noted that it is taxpayers providing the helping hand, not bureaucrats.

But what about those who didn’t take part in “Clunkers”?

For many motorists, purchasing a new car was not and is not an option. Keeping their current vehicle running efficiently is the sensible alternative.

Those motorists who treat their vehicles as valuable investments and commit to regular vehicle maintenance end up saving a lot of money.

To help ensure reliability and safety, and extend vehicle life, the Car Care Council recommends preventive maintenance steps:

n Change the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside.

n Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

Considering information from Runzheimer International that the difference in the savings over a four-year period between keeping a car and buying a new one is more than $10,000, it makes sense to take care of your vehicle, whether it’s the same old “clunker” or the new one you’re driving in the wake of the government program.

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