|
Drive Guide: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Vacation
|
| Avoid breakdowns with periodic maintenance |
|
| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -2 -12.5% ) | | Author | staff |
|
|
Description:
Related Links
Get Pricing
Get E-mail Updates
Consumer Ratings
Vehicle Reviews
Send a Letter
Talk About It
This summer is a perfect time to put the top down and get out of town.
Related Links
Maintenance Reminders
First Road Trip?
Vehicle Emergency Kit
Vacation Driving Checklist
Fuel Saving Tips
Driving Fatigue
Pack Mule
Lost? Try a Map
Auto Emergencies
Car Games
Credit Tips for Travelers
Safe driving starts with planning your route and making a travel plan.
The road is a tough place. The heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their toll on your vehicle -- and your patience. From summer to winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown at any time.
However, you can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance.
Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!
Some
of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.
Air Conditioning - A marginally operating system will fail in
hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician.
Cooling
System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating.
The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every
24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should
be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually
recommended.) Do-it-yourselfers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine
has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps,
and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more
often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended
trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.
Engine Performance - Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.)
as recommended--more often when in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability
problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.)
corrected at a good shop.
Windshield Wipers - A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and
can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield
washer solvent.
Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs;
periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching,
never use a dry rag.
Tires - Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check
tire pressures once a month; let the tires "cool down" first. Don't
forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine
tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls
for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread
wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.
Brakes - Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual,
or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping
distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.
Battery - Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate
way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine
care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean
all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable,
check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits
and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Emergencies - Carry some basic tools--ask a technician for suggestions.
Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight. Consider buying
a cellular phone. |
|
