Revving up for Summer Driving: Ten Tips
28 Juin 2007 - 4:30PM
Business Wire
If you aren�t diligent about preparing your vehicle for the summer
driving season, you might be saying goodbye to cruising down the
open road�and saying hello to waiting for a tow truck in 95-degree
heat. "The summer season is one of the best times to get out and
explore the open road, but before you do, make sure your vehicle is
ready," says Jim MacPherson, who writes for The Hartford Courant,
has served as an expert on cars and driving for Inside Edition and
hosts a car-care radio show on WTIC-AM in Connecticut. "After
taking your vehicle in for a routine inspection, a simple
inspection of your tires, engine fluids, belts and hoses can help
you avoid expensive repairs." Don�t let an unexpected breakdown
ruin your summer. Following these tips can help you prepare for the
heat: 1. Cooling system -- When your engine is cold, check your
coolant and make sure your radiator fins have not been clogged by
dirt or debris. Be sure to keep fingers away from the electric
cooling fan while doing this and never remove the radiator cap if
the engine is warm. In addition to coolant, keep an eye on the oil
level and the fluids for power steering, brakes and transmission.
2. Temperature Gauge -- If your temperature gauge moves into the
red zone or the high temperature warning light goes on, pull over
to a safe location and stop your engine. Do not open the radiator
cap. Driving a car while the engine is overheated can cause serious
damage. 3. Oil -- When the temperatures are high, you need oil that
provides extra protection for your engine. A fully synthetic oil
such as Mobil 1 is a good choice; it�s designed to protect your
engine at any temperature and provides fuel economy benefits. Fuel
economy grades provide excellent fuel savings compared to higher
viscosity grade oils. (For more information about Mobil 1, go to
www.mobiloil.com.) 4. Belts and hoses -- Inspect all belts and
hoses, looking for signs of wear such as blistering or cracks in
the rubber. If they show signs of wear, replace them now. 5. Tires
-- In high heat, under-inflated tires are more likely to blow out.
Once a month, check the pressure of all tires. To find the correct
pressure rating for your vehicle, look inside the driver�s
doorframe or your owner�s manual. 6. Windshield wipers -- The
rubber on your wiper blades is susceptible to the summer heat.
Examine your blades, and if they show signs of wear, invest in a
new set. 7. Battery -- Hot weather can shorten the life of your
vehicle�s battery. Inspect the batteries and battery cables for
corrosion, cracks and dirt. Many service centers can check the
condition of the battery and charging system. If the battery is
weak, replace it. 8. Lights -- Check your headlights on low and
high beam, as well as your brake lights, turn signals, side marker
lights and emergency flashers. If you�re towing anything, check
your connections to ensure your trailer lights are working
properly. 9. Vehicle Exterior -- Wash your vehicle regularly to
preserve the finish. After it has dried, apply a coat of wax to the
exterior to protect the surface. 10. Emergencies -- Keep an
emergency kit in your trunk with some basic items in case your
vehicle breaks down. Be sure to include a quart of oil, a gallon of
drinking water, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, basic
tools, gloves, a flashlight with some spare batteries and a first
aid kit. �Avoid getting burned by a costly breakdown,� says
MacPherson. �Take care of your vehicle now and it will be more
reliable throughout the hot summer.� For more information on
vehicle maintenance, visit www.mobiloil.com.
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