You can start now to prepare your vehicle for the hot months ahead
Some preparation during the spring months will help ensure that your summer driving
plans go smoothly, say the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence (ASE). The following tips are from ASE:
Read the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service
schedules.
Some spring cleaning is a good start. Wash, thoroughly rinse, and wax your
vehicle to remove winter’s grime and protect your vehicle’s finish from summer’s
heat and glare.
Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before hot weather
sets in.
Flush and refill the radiator according to the service manual’s recommendations.
The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
Let the engine cool down before removing the radiator cap.
If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities that employ
ASE-certified automotive technicians. Such shops often display the blue and white
ASE sign.
The tightness and condition of all belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked
by a qualified auto technician.
A marginally operating air conditioner system should be serviced by a qualified
technician.
Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your owner’s manual. Properly
dispose of used oil. Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.
Dusty conditions or lots of stop-and-go driving may necessitate more frequent
oil and filter changes.
Check the pressure and condition of tires, including the spare. Let tires
"cool down" before checking air pressure.
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper
blades.
For a free brochure with tips on getting your vehicle ready for summer, send a
self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope to ASE Summer Brochure, Dept.
MC-102, 101 Blue Seal Dr., S.E., Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20175. outstanding business
methods.
