The following summer car-care tips will help avoid overheating,
flat tires and burned-out transmissions, so you can have a Summer
full of pleasurable cruising on wheels.
* Replace your old antifreeze with new coolant. Most automobiles
take a 50-50 mixture of coolant and water, but check your owner's
manual just to be sure. Don't add plain water to your cooling system
unless it's an emergency.
* Consider a tune-up, particularly if you own an older model. Consult
your manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for your car.
* Check your tire pressure when the tires are "cold"
and make sure they are properly inflated and wearing evenly.
* Have a competent mechanic check your car's air conditioning unit
and make sure you fill it with the correct amount of freon.
* Check your hoses and drive belts for cracks, or signs of wear
and tear. Replace any clogged air and oil filters.
* Inspect your battery's water levels, even if it's the maintenance
free" type And before you hit the road, check the fuses and
the alternator.
* Examine your car's headlights and other exterior lights to make
sure they are aligned and working properly.
* Replace worn windshield wiper blades and make sure your windshield
wiper fluid tank is full.
* If you don't have an emergency tool kit in your car, get one.
If you already own a kit, make sure it's stocked with battery cables,
a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first-aid kit, spare fuses,
a jack, a tire gauge and an empty gasoline can. (NOTE: Never carry
gasoline or other flammable liquids in your trunk except in an emergency.)
* Buy a cardboard sunscreen for your front and back windshields.
They will keep the interior cool to make it easy on your A/C and
protect your dashboard's finish.
Pack for the Road:
One gallon of 50% coolant to 50% water.
2 spare quarts or oil.
One Gallon of windshield washer fluid.
A good flashlight with spare batteries.
A disposable camera in case of accident or a good photo opportunity.
A piece of carpet or a door mat, in case you have to kneel down
on the ground in bad weather.
We hope that you find these auto service tips helpful. Please
let us know. Thanks. |
