Summer Driving Tips
In hot weather, fluids and lubricants can break down more rapidly, tires are subject to more stress and a vehicle suffers more wear and tear.
- Checking your tires and tire pressure is very important in the summer. In addition to visually inspecting your tires for signs of wear, keep an air-pressure gauge handy. When your tires are cold - which is three or more hours after they've last been driven - check the air pressure. The tires' recommended inflation levels are listed in your owner's manual and inside the driver's side door frame. Keeping the tires inflated to their recommended levels will do more than help your tires last longer. It will also help you save gas.
- Belts and hoses. Sweltering summer heat can be murderous to your vehicle's all-important belts and hoses. So either check the belts and hoses yourself for signs of cracking, blistering and other wear and tear or, better yet, have an experienced auto technician check and replace them as needed.
- The cooling system. Your vehicle's cooling system is its main defense against overheating and breaking down on hot summer days. So while having your hoses inspected, have your radiator flushed and refilled with the proper type and amount of coolant (anti-freeze). And remember that if you're putting on a lot of miles in very hot weather, the level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be rechecked periodically.
- Other essential fluids. If it's been a while since your oil was last changed, it would be a good idea to have that done before setting off on a trip. Also make sure the reservoirs of automatic transmission, brake, power steering and windshield wiper fluids are filled to their proper levels.
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