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Summer Survival Tips For Your Vehicle

Summer is vacation time. You want to get in the car and go. But don’t leave without first making sure your car is ready for the trip.

• Make an appointment for a tune up. Clean air filters, new spark plugs, a new oxygen sensor and an air induction system cleaning will mean better gas mileage.

• Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Not only is this a safety concern, but properly inflated tires will give you better fuel mileage and longer life. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and ready if you need it.

• Rotate tires. While you’re at it have the wheel alignment checked. Winter potholes can cause your wheels to get out of alignment. Not only can this cause handling problems, but also causes your tires to wear out faster.

• Always keep at least a half tank of gas in your car. When it gets to half, fill it up. Your fuel pump is basically an electric motor, kept cool and lubricated by the gas in the tank. A low or empty tank can overheat the pump and cause it to fail prematurely.

• Check all the fluid levels and the condition of the fluids. Old, worn out fluids can cause early failure of power steering, automatic transmissions, four-wheel drive differentials, and loss of braking power.

• Make sure your wipers work and the wiper blades are replaced. Summer rainstorms can be a challenge to drive in if you can’t see out the window. Did you know that most wiper manufacturers recommend new blades every six months? At Najjar Car Care we recommend new wipers at least once a year.

• Check cooling system. Look for leaks, worn or bulging hoses, and fan operation. The hot days of summer put a strain on the cooling system and a failure can leave you stranded with an engine that overheats. Tip: Caught in a traffic jam? Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you so the radiator can do its job. If the engine is overheating, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater. You may be very uncomfortable, but the heater acts like a second radiator and can help cool the engine.

• Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you when driving through isolated areas. Take along a map and a cell phone.

If you become stranded…

• Call for roadside assistance.

• Stay in you vehicle. That’s where you are the safest. Many motorists are injured when they exit their vehicles on a busy road.

• Keep the doors locked. Only roll the window down enough to ask them to get help.

Drivers should carry a survival kit in their vehicle. Here are some important items to consider:

• Cell phone

• Flashlight and spare batteries

• First aid kit

• Shovel (axe or hatchet)

• Reflectors or a bright colored cloth that can be tied to the antenna.

• Emergency flares. If you use them, place them at least 45 feet away from your car to give other drivers adequate warning of a problem.

• Tool kit. Include a good quality screwdriver set, pliers, small hammer, utility knife, ratchet socket set, a four-way wrench, locking pliers, and a roll of electrical tap and duct tape.

• Booster cables. The thicker the better. Look for four or six-gauge cables.

• Gas can. An approved container able to hold at least a gallon of gasoline.

Always remember to have your vehicle serviced regularly. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Drive carefully.