When The Heat Is Rising, Make Sure Your Car Is Running

By Karen McFarland


You've worked hard all year and now summer vacation is nearly here. However, your vacation might get ruined when you're stranded on the side of the road and is still miles from your destination.

As you prepare to get away this summer, follow these helpful tips that can help make your vacation as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Get a complete vehicle inspection. Services and inspections at regularly scheduled intervals is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer to keep your vehicle running. Having a complete vehicle inspection which includes the air-conditioning system helps drivers avoid repairs which are costly and also keeps cool on summer days. Helping ensure the engine's battery, cooling system, and exhaust are in good working order is a technician.

Every month and before long trips, check the tire pressure. All 4 tires and the spare should be properly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels. Under normal conditions, tires can lose up to 1 pound per square inch. Use an accurate tire gauge to check tire air pressure monthly and always when the car is cool -; meaning the car has been driven less than 1 mile or has not moved in at least three hours.

Checking the tire tread. The tread depth of tires should be at least 1/16 inches. You can perform the penny test by inserting a penny in the tread at several points of the tire with the head of Lincoln pointed down. If the top of Lincoln's head can be seen at any of the points, then your tire needs replacing because it's worn out. Remember, this test is only appropriate for tires on passenger vehicles.

The fluids should always be checked. Also remember to check the gas.

Why shouldn't you overload the vehicle? Creating excessive heat inside your tires and robbing you of fuel economy is overloading. Overloading your vehicle can also cause excessive or irregular wear or early removal of tires if tires are not properly inflated or in good condition.

Don't forget your emergency kit. Emergency kits will prepare drivers for unexpected breakdowns. Suggested items for a vehicle emergency kit include: jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, a reflector, protective gloves, a basic toolkit, flares and matches, a gallon of water, nonperishable food, a 12-volt portable air compressor and a blanket. An auto club membership may also be helpful. Also remember to make sure your cell phone is charged.




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