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Undoing the wear and tear of winter should be job number one for motorists as they prepare for warmer weather ahead. Summer's heat, humidity and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause marginal systems to fail. Why risk the inconvenience and aggravation of having your holiday interrupted? More importantly, any road-side breakdown on today's busy motorways is unsafe.

Here are some tips to get your vehicle ready for summer.

-- Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules. The manual contains a complete checklist of services, schedules and other important information about your vehicle.

-- Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically. If you are doing your own work, make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.

-- Have engine performance problems -- hard starts, rough idling, stalling -- corrected. You'll get better petrol mileage and you may prevent more expensive repairs later on. For example, something as simple as a rough idle could indicate an underlying problem that could ruin your vehicle's catalytic converter over time. The old adage, "Pay me now or pay me later," is especially true with today's high-tech, computerized systems.

-- If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, modern equipment in the service bays and signs that the automotive technicians are qualified, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes, as well as national certification.

-- The tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have the proper equipment. But weekenders can look for signs of wear, cracking or frayed belts. And, once again, don't ignore the service schedules listed in the owner's manual.

-- Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. The air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air through improper or incompetent service.

-- Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.) Polls of technicians overwhelmingly indicate that this is one of the most neglected services, and one that can greatly reduce the life of your car, light truck or SUV.

-- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual.

-- Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires "cool down" before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, "cupping," vibrations or "pulling" to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system.

-- Don't neglect your transmission. Costly repairs can be prevented by routine service.

-- For safety and convenience, inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer's dust and insects.

Original Article Courtesy of ARA Content

Popularity: 16% [?]

Drivers, why not make every day Earth Day?

According to officials, motorists can help the environment and their own finances by changing a few habits. This may come as surprise to those who think they must wait for hybrid or alternate-fueled vehicles to become popular.

They recommend regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two can't-fail action plans. Here are a few specific, easy-to-implement tips:

-- Keep the engine running at peak performance -- a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in your owner's manual. A well tuned engine pollutes less and uses less petrol than a neglected vehicle. Moreover, engine performance problems only get worse if neglected.

-- If you do your own repairs, be a good citizen. Dispose of engine fluids and batteries properly. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water. Anti-freeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife and household pets. Some repair facilities accept used fluids and parts. Or call your local council for more information.

-- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. If your air pressure is just a few pounds low, you force the engine to work harder (read: burn more petrol) just to move the vehicle. Tires that are misaligned also make your vehicle work harder. Consider, too, that poorly maintained tires wear out faster, which means more discards have to be scraped, recycled or sent to the landfill.

-- If you are not much of a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the garage with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. Certified technicians have passed one or more exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.

-- Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

-- Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations. Both habits guzzle gas and put extra wear and tear on your vehicle's engine, transmission, steering and suspension system, and other components. Use cruise control and anticipate traffic patterns ahead. As a side benefit, your brakes will last longer.

-- When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. And, yes, walk more often.

-- Remove excess items from the vehicle's truck, since less weight means better mileage. Remove that roof-top luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag.

If appeals to save the environment are not enough, consider this: A well-maintained vehicle should last 50 percent longer than a neglected one. Good car care saves you money and helps the environment -- a win-win situation.

Original Article Courtesy of ARA Content

Popularity: 22% [?]