The following summer car-care tips will help avoid overheating,
flat tires and burned-out transmissions, so you can have a Summer full of pleasurable cruising on wheels.

* Replace your old antifreeze with new coolant. Most automobiles take a 50-50 mixture of coolant and water, but check your owner's manual just to be sure. Don't add plain water to your cooling system unless it's an emergency.

* Consider a tune-up, particularly if you own an older model. Consult your manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for your car.

* Check your tire pressure when the tires are "cold" and make sure they are properly inflated and wearing evenly.

* Have a competent mechanic check your car's air conditioning unit and make sure you fill it with the correct amount of freon.

* Check your hoses and drive belts for cracks, or signs of wear and tear. Replace any clogged air and oil filters.

* Inspect your battery's water levels, even if it's the maintenance free" type And before you hit the road, check the fuses and the alternator.

* Examine your car's headlights and other exterior lights to make sure they are aligned and working properly.

* Replace worn windshield wiper blades and make sure your windshield wiper fluid tank is full.

* If you don't have an emergency tool kit in your car, get one. If you already own a kit, make sure it's stocked with battery cables, a flashlight with fresh batteries, a first-aid kit, spare fuses, a jack, a tire gauge and an empty gasoline can. (NOTE: Never carry gasoline or other flammable liquids in your trunk except in an emergency.)

* Buy a cardboard sunscreen for your front and back windshields. They will keep the interior cool to make it easy on your A/C and protect your dashboard's finish.

Pack for the Road:

One gallon of 50% coolant to 50% water.
2 spare quarts or oil.
One Gallon of windshield washer fluid.
A good flashlight with spare batteries.
A disposable camera in case of accident or a good photo opportunity.
A piece of carpet or a door mat, in case you have to kneel down on the ground in bad weather.

We hope that you find these auto service tips helpful. Please let us know. Thanks.