Get
your automobile ready for summer vacation travel...
So you think you have your summer vacation
completely planned. Youve taken time off, chosen your destination and made all the
reservations. But what about your vehicles maintenance checkup? Oops! You dont
want to forget about this important step.
The long drive through summer's
heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic can take a toll on your car or truck.
If you want to
depend on your automobile throughout the summer, now is the time to have a qualified
technician perform a service checkup. Here are some of the components and systems that
should be inspected:
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Air
Conditioning - Check the refrigerant level, belts and overall operation of the
system.
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Cooling System
- Check the level and condition of the coolant in your radiator. Old coolant will not help
regulate your engines temperature and could lead to expensive repairs. Also check the
hoses for leaks, cracks, and swelling. A worn hose can burst anytime, especially during
hot-weather driving.
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Brakes
- Perhaps no other part of your car or truck takes as much punishment as the brakes.
Dont gamble with your safety. Have a pro inspect the brakes for wear and proper
operation.
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Wheel
Alignment - Now is a good time to have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked.
Highways seem to spawn potholes every year. And because of the delicate calibration of all
four wheels in today's automobiles, hitting just one pothole can throw the alignment out
of whack. Uneven tire wear and/or steering difficulty can indicate alignment problems.
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Oil Changes
- Most auto makers recommend an oil and filter change every three months or 3,000 miles.
Consult your owners manual to find out regular maintenance schedule specifics.
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Not only will preventative maintenance help avert
breakdowns, it will also help your vehicle get better gas mileage - a fact youll
definitely appreciate when taking a summer vacation by car. |