Ten Tips for a Springtime-Ready VehicleSpring is here -- so be sure to follow a few simple car care tips to ensure your vehicle
03 Avril 2006 - 3:00PM
Business Wire
Springtime is here, and the first warm weekend of the season
traditionally triggers a symphony of cleaning products, vacuums and
garden hoses. But while you might be in a hurry to put a shine on
your vehicle, it's equally important to make sure it's ready for
the warm weather on the inside as well as the outside. "The most
critical areas to check after the harsh winter months are engine
fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes," says Pat Goss,
host of PBS' MotorWeek and Washington Post automotive columnist.
"Adequately preparing these key areas of the car before the weather
warms up will not only keep you safe while driving, they'll help
prevent costly repairs." After battling months of cold weather, and
maybe snow and icy roads, your vehicle is undoubtedly in need of
some serious care. To make your spring trouble-free, follow this
10-point checklist for safety, dependability and fuel economy. --
Remove your winter tires and rotate all-season radials -- If you
have winter tires, it's time to store them away. If you don't have
winter tires, it's equally important to have all-season tires
rotated or switched out for new ones. -- Brake check -- After a
blistering winter, be sure to check your brakes. Warning signs
include excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter. --
Wiper blades check - Wipers work hard over the winter months wiping
away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them in the spring
before April showers make it difficult to see. -- Clean the
underbody -- In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray
the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front
bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up, which can lead to erosion
and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best
results. -- Apply a protectant -- Any vinyl surface, such as the
seats and the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun
damage, and fading -- so be sure to apply a protectant at the
beginning of the season and touch-up regularly. -- Change your oil
-- Give some thought to the kind of motor oil you have in your
engine. Fully synthetic oils, such as Mobil 1, are specifically
designed to protect your engine in hot weather, while optimizing
your engine's efficiency and performance. (For more information
about Mobil 1, go to www.mobiloil.com.) -- Check all fluids -- In
the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine works
harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or
replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power
steering and windshield washer fluid. -- Pressure test -- Assess
the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for
wear or deterioration. -- Interior clean-up -- Vacuum and be sure
to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your
seats over the winter. Now is also the time to store your winter
car mats in the garage. -- Wash your car -- All vehicles regardless
of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular
washing throughout the year. To preserve your car's shine and
protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.
"Spring is here -- so be sure to follow these simple tips to ensure
vehicle dependability in the warm months ahead," says Goss. "By
taking care of your vehicle, it will more likely take care of you.
And it will do it for a lot less money." For more information on
vehicle maintenance visit www.mobiloil.com. Mobil 1 is a trademark
of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM)
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