Prepare Your Car Into Shape
You’ve been working out all winter to get your body into fabulous form for that active summer vacation. But before you toss your bathing suit and camping gear into the trunk, you should also make sure your car is in top shape, too. Summer can be hard on your vehicle and maintaining it helps prevent ending up on the side of the road in 90° wilting heat when you’d rather be doing laps in a refreshing swimming pool.
To start, find a qualified technician, such as your local Oto Service dealer, to give your car or light truck the once-over before you head for the hills. Your technician can:
• Check and fill all fluids, including oil, coolant, windshield-washer fluid, and, if your battery is not maintenance-free, the battery water.
• Check windshield wipers for cleaning ability, tire pressure for accuracy, belts for tight tension levels, and hoses for signs of wear or cracks that can cause coolant to leak out.
A Service technician can also put your car onto a lift to inspect the brakes, suspension, and exhaust system.
Be sure your vehicle is equipped with emergency supplies, including jumper cables, basic hand tools, flares or reflective warning triangles, a flashlight with working batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Since the right amount of oil and coolant are especially important in hot weather, plan on checking these levels during your trip as well.Tire pressures, too, are affected by driving for long periods, so be sure to also monitor those during the trip.
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