HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-04-12, Page 19(MS) — Spring has arrived and
road trips, scenic drives and more
time spent behind the wheel beckon.
However, without a proper
automotive overhaul this season, you
may spend more time at the
mechanic than enjoying the beautiful
weather.
Here are some ways to keep your
car in top shape:
Inspect the driveway — Most
people think to look under the hood
as a starting point. However, check
the driveway first instead. If you see
oil where you park your car, you
could have a potential problem. You
should have your car inspected by a
professional.
Fluid levels are key — All fluid
levels should be checked and topped
up as needed (engine oil,
transmission, cooling system, power
steering, brake fluid and washer
fluid). Fluids are the lifeblood of
your car. Purchasing high-quality
fluids and regularly changing old
fluids will improve your car’s
performance and reliability.
Keep cool — Overheating,
especially as the weather gets
warmer, is the leading cause of
preventable breakdowns and one of
the main areas where prevention is
much cheaper than the cure. Simply
stated, a fried engine is an expensive
repair. If your antifreeze is more
than a couple of years old, play it
safe and replace your antifreeze.
You should also consider adding a
coolant to your radiator. It’s been
shown to reduce engine temperature
as much as 30 F or more, and it’s
commonly used to help cool hot
racing engines. It also helps
condition seals to prevent leaks.
Upgrade your oil — Another way
to reduce engine heat is to upgrade
to high-performance synthetic motor
oil. Synthetic motor oils disperse
heat faster and have a lower
coefficient of friction than mineral-
based motor oils; this helps reduce
engine heat.
Inspect belts and hoses — After
checking and/or adding fluids, check
the belts and hoses. A worn or loose
belt can cause the engine to
overheat. A cracked belt or a hose
that is unusually soft or overly hard
needs to be replaced.
Make sure hose clamps are tight,
and check the ends for cracks or
corrosion. Because extreme heat can
cause leaks and other damage, keep
an eye out for hard, blistered or
spongy hoses. If any of these
warning signs are present, replace
the hoses immediately. It’s also a
good idea to keep spare belts in your
trunk, especially if your vehicle has
a single serpentine or multi-v belt. If
this belt fails, you’ll be left going
nowhere.
Clean battery terminals, hinges
and latches — Battery terminals
should be cleaned, tightened and
lubricated. It’s also good to clean
and lubricate hinges and the hood
latch. Make sure the battery
terminals and hold-downs are tight.
If corrosion is present (you’ll see
white residue cake on the battery
terminals), clean it with a mixture of
baking soda and water, and put on a
set of battery washers to keep
corrosion from coming back. Top
any low battery cells with distilled
water.
Keep tires properly inflated —
Finally, inspect your tires. All tires
should be properly inflated,
including the spare. Refer to the
sidewall of your tire for the proper
pressure level. Properly inflated tires
increase gas mileage, lengthen tire
life, and are much less susceptible to
blowouts. Properly preparing your
car for summer doesn’t require a lot
of time or technical expertise. The
payoff of preparation is that your
vehicle will have a reduced risk of a
breakdown and an improved
performance.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007. PAGE 19.
Check list
Take the time to service your vehicle before embarking on
spring road trips. Upgrading your oil is one step you can
take to avoid costly repairs down the road. (MS photo)
Prepare your car for warm-weather driving
Underinflation
leads to
exessive
strain
Continued from page 18
of tire failure, according to the
Rubber Manufacturers Association.
Underinflation or overloading
creates excessive stresses and heat,
and can lead to tire failure and a
crash.
Changes in outdoor temperature
can affect the rate at which a tire
loses air. Typically, a tire loses one
to two pounds of pressure per
month, and even more in warm
weather.
To help avoid underinflation, the
Rubber Manufacturers Association
recommends checking the air
pressure in your tires at least once a
month and before every long trip.
Tires must be checked when they
are cold — that is, before they have
run for one mile. Experts also say
you should never “bleed” or reduce
air pressure when tires are hot —
it’s normal for pressure to build up
as a result of driving.
If your tire sustains a blowout
while you are driving, don’t slam on
your brakes — that can cause your
car to swerve in the direction of the
blowout. Instead, gently apply the
brakes to regain control and slowly
guide the vehicle to a safe area
away from the road.
Drivers can help prevent potential
tire failures with expert advice and
service from their dealership.
Visit a local dealership for an
inspection to ensure that their
vehicle is up-to-date on its
maintenance needs. The inspections
can point out items needing service
to help a vehicle run better, last
longer, retain its value and provide
optimal safety and security.
J.L. McCUTCHEON
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