Get ready for road trips!

  With Summer right around the corner, it's time to make sure your car is ready for all the summer road trips. The summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be setting yourself up for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. While some of the following tips are easy to do; others may require a skilled auto technician.


1. Tires. Tires. Tires!

   Tires are the single most important part of your car. A worn or underinflated set of tires can be detrimental to handling and braking and can lead to blow-outs at any speed. If you own dedicated sets of winter and summer tires, inspect both sets of rubber as you swap them out for seasonal duty or storage. Even if you use all-season tires, check for bubbles in the sidewalls (usually a sign of broken belts in the tire's carcass), uneven wear, or visible wear bars. If you see any of the above, replace the tire. While you're at it, make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

 

 

 

2. Brakes

 

   Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your car's manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly. Checking your brakes regularly can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

 

 

 

3. Check your Oil

   There is nothing more detrimental to your car than not checking your oil. Not getting your oil regularly changed can end up costing you a couple hundred or even a couple thousand dollars in engine repair. Pull out your car's dipstick and check the level and color of the oil — if it's still a shade of amber and meets the fill mark, you're fine. If it's amber but low, top it off. If it's black and nasty, change it ASAP. Regular oil should last 4000-5000 miles with no problem; synthetics should go for 6000-7000 miles between changes. (Both of these are general guidelines and vary with driving style and climate.)

 

 

4. Cooling System

   Believe it or not, but the most common cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

 

 

5. Battery
    Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Check your battery periodically to make sure that its fluid level is correct and that there is no visible discharge or leakage around the battery's top. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Modern car batteries consist of lead plates suspended in a water-diluted acid bath.  If you have a sealed battery, you're essentially off the hook, but if you've got a traditional battery, check its fluid levels and fill to the brim using only distilled water.


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