How To Get Your Car Ready For The Summer
Most people make it a point to get their cars ready for winter. After all, nobody wants to have a stalling car in sub-zero temperatures.
But what about during the summer? You are probably not aware of this, but your car is going to need extra servicing to prepare for the summer as well.
A regular maintenance routine will save you time and money in the long run. You will be able to drive your car longer, and when you sell it you will make more money from the sale. I took it upon myself to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on routine maintenance, and when I finally traded in my car, I was surprised at the amount I was able to trade it in at, simply because the engine was in such a good shape.
Now I know this isn't bedtime reading, but the owner's manual can be your best friend - assuming you read it! In the least, take a look at it once in a while. What about reading it while your oil is being changed?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.
Have your air conditioning checked periodically. If you keep things checked regularly, you can avoid major repairs later.
Overheating is one of the main problems you can run into during the summer. Flushing and refilling the cooling system regularly can prevent problem with overheating.
Have your car's belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. It is a process that only takes a couple of minutes of your time, and it can be very important.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Add some windshield washer solvent - you'd be amazed at how much of this you use in the winter, so you might be a bit low.
Keep your tires rotated every 5,000 miles.
Be sure to also check the spare tire is properly inflated. And don't forget to check that you have a jack in the trunk!
Problems with your transmission can lead to major repair bills, and therefore to a big headache. Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.
And, should you feel something unusual with your brakes, have them checked immediately.
You can also check your battery every so often, to see how much more life it has left.
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they're working.
You should always have a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, flares and a cell phone.
So here you go - now you have a list to help you keep your car in good shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.
Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!
But what about during the summer? You are probably not aware of this, but your car is going to need extra servicing to prepare for the summer as well.
A regular maintenance routine will save you time and money in the long run. You will be able to drive your car longer, and when you sell it you will make more money from the sale. I took it upon myself to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on routine maintenance, and when I finally traded in my car, I was surprised at the amount I was able to trade it in at, simply because the engine was in such a good shape.
Now I know this isn't bedtime reading, but the owner's manual can be your best friend - assuming you read it! In the least, take a look at it once in a while. What about reading it while your oil is being changed?
Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.
Have your air conditioning checked periodically. If you keep things checked regularly, you can avoid major repairs later.
Overheating is one of the main problems you can run into during the summer. Flushing and refilling the cooling system regularly can prevent problem with overheating.
Have your car's belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. It is a process that only takes a couple of minutes of your time, and it can be very important.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Add some windshield washer solvent - you'd be amazed at how much of this you use in the winter, so you might be a bit low.
Keep your tires rotated every 5,000 miles.
Be sure to also check the spare tire is properly inflated. And don't forget to check that you have a jack in the trunk!
Problems with your transmission can lead to major repair bills, and therefore to a big headache. Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.
And, should you feel something unusual with your brakes, have them checked immediately.
You can also check your battery every so often, to see how much more life it has left.
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they're working.
You should always have a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, flares and a cell phone.
So here you go - now you have a list to help you keep your car in good shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.
Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!
About the Author:
Find out how to service your truck and prevent unexpected repairs at http://carolinas.aaa.com/MaintainVehicles/ReplacementAndRepairs/Pages/default.aspx.