Beat the Heat with Summer Car Care

Summer is great time road trips and travelling. However, the heat can take a toll on your vehicle. If it breaks down while you’re on the road, you’ll either need to depend on roadside assistance or fend for yourself. Avoid such situations by following these summer maintenance tips:

Fluid Maintenance – the summer heat can really throw your car’s fluid systems for a loop. The higher temperatures can cause the fluid to expand and put greater stress on hoses and similar components. Your two main concerns will be coolant and oil. In the summer heat, your car will depend on coolant more than ever – so it’s important to inspect for leaks and make sure the levels are topped off. It’s also a good idea to change your oil and oil filter to help your car run smoothly. If you drive an older model car, you should ask your mechanic if you should switch to a thicker oil blend – which will offer better engine protection and will flow smoothly in the increased heat. This isn’t normally an issue for new car models or those using full synthetic blends.

Tire Check – tires are also affected by summer because the heat can increase the tire pressure by causing the air to expand. Maintaining the right tire pressure for your vehicle model is important. Too little tire pressure increases the chance of a blowout and the wear and tear the tire accumulates. Too much tire pressure reduces vehicle handling and traction. Both lower your vehicle’s MPG. Refer to your owner’s manual to make sure you are driving with the correct tire pressure (don’t forget to check your spare tire as well). If you are using winter tires, switch back to summer tires for optimal performance.

A/C Tune Up – While not important for keeping your vehicle running, A/C is important for keeping you comfortable. And summertime is when it will get the most use. There are many parts that can malfunction and lower your A/C output, including the condenser, compressor, valves, vents, and temperature sensors. You’ll want to make sure the entire system gets a professional inspection to avoid any problems through the summer.

Wiper Replacement – Depending on where you live, summer might be your region’s rainy season. The decreased visibility while driving in the rain can increase the risk of accident. But, a fresh pair of wiper blades can mitigate this. If it’s been many years since you changed your wiper blades, you’ll definitely notice a difference during your first downpour.

Courtesy of http://blog.poliseek.com/2012/08/24/beat-the-heat-with-summer-car-care/

Is Your Car Ready for Summer Holiday Travel?

With the Memorial Day Holiday weekend upon us and the summer vacation season fast approaching, a thorough inspection of your vehicle will give you peace of mind and help make your road journey safer, says the Car Care Council.

“If you are planning a road trip this summer, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put gas in your car and go. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out for vacation,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Before you hit the road, the Car Care Council recommends conducting a vehicle inspection to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down miles away from home.

• Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
• Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.        
• Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer and power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.        
• Check the hoses and belts and replace if they become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.        
• Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Courtesy of http://www.carcare.org/2013/05/is-your-car-ready-for-summer-holiday-travel/

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!!

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!!