Before you pack up the car this summer, run through this checklist to make sure your ride is in good condition:
Kick the Tires. And then get out the tire-pressure gauge and check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owners manual. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don’t forget to check your spare as well.
Underinflated tires run the risk of a blowout, and overinflated ones make hydroplaning more likely in rainy weather. There’s a financial payoff, too: properly inflated tires increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Check the tread while you’re down there. Stick a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln’s head facing down–if the head is fully visible, you need new tires.
Check the essentials. Check the oil after running the car for a few minutes. It should be at a sufficient level and appear clean on the stick. Though we recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles for conventional oil, some vehicles use full synthetic and can go longer. Check your owner’s manual for guidance.
New windshield wiper blades might be a good investment for summer driving. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, and the previous winter’s weather may have taken a tool on the blades’ performance.
Ditch the junk in your trunk. No hip-hop reference here–just clean out your car. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2%.
Prepare for the worst. You should keep an emergency kit with some necessities in your car in case you get stuck. (for example: jumper cables, basic tools, and a first aid kit to name a few)
Before you hit the road, give Douglas Automotive Repair a call for a “trip check”. We’d be happy to make sure you have safe travels.
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