CARE CARE TIPS

Various seasons require different maintenance for your vehicle.

SPRING: Check you air conditioning system before the hot summer days are upon us. Be sure it is operating properly and is fully charged to insure a cool summer.

SUMMER: The change in the temperature affects the tire pressure, so check your tire pressure. Correct pressure ensures maximum gas mileage efficiency. Check antifreeze levels; antifreeze protects your engine from hot conditions as well as corrosion.

WINTER: Cold winter months are hard on you car. Sand, salt, snow and potholes wreck havoc on your car. Check antifreeze levels and protection levels for proper temperature. Potholes destroy aluminum rims and cause alignment problems. Be sure tires are free from bubbles, cuts, wear, etc. Check tire tread for depth and be sure the tires are wearing evenly and that sidewalls do not have any damage. Tires without proper tread will cause you to slip and loose traction in snow and rain.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Proper routine maintenance will not only ensure maximum vehicle life, but for short term, it helps with fuel efficiency. Spring and Fall are good time reminders to check fluids and filters. Washing your vehicle and waxing twice a year maintains and protects the finish. Wash the underside and inside the wheel wells to remove salt build-up and residue to help prevent corrosion and rust. Sunshields help keep dashboards and plastic interior parts from drying out. Using protectants such as Armorall will treat and protect your interior.

Batteries usually have a life expectancy of five years. To be sure you don't get stuck unexpectedly, replacing your battery every four years is recommended.

SAFETY: Keep road flares, jumper cables, blanket, half gallon of water per passenger and extra water with antifreeze, cell phone and charger with your important phone numbers, quart of oil, duct tape, WD40, first aid kit, and a medical emergency book in the trunk. If you travel with children or passenger with special needs, keep that in mind when going on trips and prepare accordingly. Be sure your spare is properly inflated and have a portable air compressor/tire inflator. Know how to change a tire before you have to; know the location of the jack and where to position it on the vehicle. Be sure when changing a tire you are on a level, firm and dry surface. Aluminum rims require a wheel lock key, without this, you will not be able to remove the lug nuts. Make sure it is in the vehicle and you know exactly where it is. A good place to keep the key is in the glove box along with the owner's manual.