Automotive Service & Repair
2007-05-01 10:29:00
It’s summer...time for a tune up
Answer: As seasonal changes approach, take the opportunity to prepare your vehicle for the road. For many of us, Memorial Day weekend will be the first opportunity for family vacation, so after planning your destination. If your car has an unseen weakness, a drastic weather change summer or winter may turn the weakness into a failure that could leave you stranded.
One of the first things to do to prepare your car for your summer vacation is to check the fluid levels. Fluid levels and transmission failures can be detected ahead of time by just looking for low, or possibly contaminated, fluids in your engine, transmission or radiators.
Check your vents for good flow before a long trip. If it is barely working, hot weather may do it in. Your air conditioning system needs to be checked periodically for proper functioning. Nobody needs to remind you how miserable hot weather trips can be without air conditioning, so avoid a breakdown with regular AC maintenance. Spring delivers a variety of temperatures and many of us forget that the 90-degree days are just ahead. Traveling down the road is not the time to find out that your air conditioner won’t work. Most shops can “performance check” your system if needed and inform you of any potential problems.
Check for leaks and keep the proper level of antifreeze. Have drive belts inspected and adjusted and your transmission fluids checked as well. Uneven shifting or slippage needs immediate attention. Check your maintenance manual or ask your technician for the recommended time to have your transmission fluid changed. Fresh fluid and conditioners will keep seals and o-rings in good condition. And of course, have your oil changed regularly.
Take a good look at your tires, checking for uneven or excessive wear and for bulges, tread separation and breaks in the sidewalls. Driving on hot roads can be very demanding on your tires, so make sure they are up to the task. After a winter of potholes, you may need to have your wheels aligned. A good indication of alignment or suspension problems is when your car pulls to one side while driving or braking. Keep an eye on your tire pressure so you get better mileage and wear. Anything that is weak in moderate weather may very well fail when weather gets drastic.
Before your family vacation, and just to be prepared for the upcoming summer months, these tips will afford you the peace of mind for a happy and safe summer.
