Category Archives: summer driving

It’s Summer Road Trip Time – Make Sure You and Your Vehicle are Prepared

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Summer is the perfect time for a road trip! Some travelers like to have a detailed plan and confirmed reservations, while others like to be a little more spontaneous and travel adventurously.  Whether you have a planned-out approach or a free-spirited attitude toward road trips, you should never leave without having prepared your vehicle for the journey. 

Summer Road Trip

Don’t let car trouble steal the fun and relaxation of your summer road trip. Be prepared for a worry-free trip by considering these vehicle checks:

Thoroughly Check Your Fluids

Your car relies on a number of different types of fluids to run smoothly. Before leaving for a trip, it is a good idea to check:

  • Engine Oil – Lubricates the engine and keeps it running smoothly
  • Coolant – prevents your engine from overheating
  • Transmission Fluid – proper levels ensure smooth shifting and extend the life of your transmission
  • Brake Fluid  – required for the proper functioning of your brakes
  • Power Steering Fluid – essential for smooth and easy steering

Confirm that all fluids are at the proper levels and that they are in good condition. If any fluids are low or dirty, have them topped off or replaced by a professional.

Inspect Your Tires

Safe travel is where the rubber meets the road… literally. Check your tires to make sure they are in optimal condition to deliver proper performance and handling:

  • Tread Depth – proper tread depth provides better grip and handling
  • Tire Pressure – correctly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and safety
  • Tire Condition – cracks, bulges, or uneven wear can be a sign of potential problems
  • Spare Tire  – don’t overlook checking its condition, and make sure you have a jack and lug wrench

.Check Your Battery

A failing battery has the potential to ruin your trip. Consider these battery related items:

  • Signs of Corrosion – Corrosion on terminals or other areas can affect performance
  • Battery Age – if the battery is over three years old, consider having it tested
  • Jumper Cables – always travel with a set of jumper cables in case you have battery problems on the road

Check Your Brakes

Dependable functioning of your vehicle’s braking system is essential for safety. Always pay attention to signs of trouble like squeaking or grinding noises when braking, or unusual sensations or vibrations. Before a trip check these brake system components:

  • Brake Pads – worn brake pads can reduce braking efficiency
  • Brake Rotors – warped or damaged rotors can affect braking performance
  • Brake Fluid – make sure brake fluid is at the proper level and isn’t contaminated

Check Your Lights and Signals

Properly functioning lights and signals are essential for safety. Test your all of your system lights including: 

  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Turn signals
  • Brake lights

Have any burnt-out bulbs replaced to ensure you can see and be seen on the road.

Inspect Your Belts and Hoses

Confirming that your belts and hoses are in good condition is important for your vehicle’s safe operation. 

  • Have Belts Checked – signs of fraying, glazing, or wear may indicate replacement is necessary
  • Inspect Hoses – leaking, cracked, bulging, or damaged hoses should be replaced to prevent engine overheating

Additional Summer Travel Tips

Even with the best preparations, emergencies can happen on summer road trips. Be ready with a kit with a car kit that includes items like flashlights, extra batteries, portable cell phone chargers, tire repair kit and inflator, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, etc.

Planning your summer road trip route ahead of time can save you from unexpected surprises. Most drivers rely on cell phone GPS for guidance, but a good old-fashioned roadmap could be invaluable in the event of the dreaded ‘lost signal’ situation.

Taking the time to prepare your vehicle before a summer road trip can save you from unexpected breakdowns and ensure a fun, stress-free journey. If you’re unsure about any of the vehicle checks listed above, don’t hesitate to visit your local trusted auto service technician.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Road Trip

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It’s summertime and there’s no better way to embrace the season than by hopping in the car for a road trip adventure. Before you hit the highway, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the journey.

Summer Road Trip

To help you make sure your road trip goes according to plan follow this simple list of five ways to prepare your car for a smooth and enjoyable vacation.

Schedule a Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection

Before any long trip you should have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted auto technician. They will check the engine, brakes, fluid levels, tires, and all other vital components to ensure everything is in proper working order. Addressing any existing issues before your trip will help prevent potential breakdowns and ensure a safe and stress-free experience.

Check Tire Pressure and Rotate Your Tires

Your car’s tires are its only contact point with the road so taking care of them is essential to ensure your safety on the road. Begin by checking the tread depth and ensure there are no signs of uneven wear or damage. If your tires are worn, it’s advisable to replace them. Additionally, rotating the tires will promote even wear and enhance their lifespan, giving you a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.

Change the Oil and Fluids

Regular oil changes are necessary for maintaining the health of your engine, which is especially important before a road trip. Schedule an oil change and ensure all other fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid, are at their recommended levels. This preventive maintenance step will help keep your car running reliably under the summer heat and reduce the risk of overheating or engine damage.

Check the Air Conditioning System

Your summer road trip is no time to have an AC failure. Make sure your car’s air conditioning system is in optimal condition before your trip. Test the AC unit to verify that it’s blowing cold air and check for any strange odors or noises. If you do notice anything strange, have a professional inspect and service the system. Staying cool and comfortable will make your time in the car much more enjoyable.

Bring an Emergency Kit

Unexpected situations can arise at any time, even during a road trip. As a precaution, assemble an emergency kit containing essential items such as a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, and a roadside assistance contact number. This kit will provide peace of mind and help prepare you for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise along the way.

Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a memorable and trouble-free summer road trip. So buckle up, turn up the tunes, and embark on your summer adventure knowing that your car is ready to take you wherever the road leads. Safe travels!

Your Summer Car Care Checklist

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You depend on your car to perform safely  and efficiently in a wide range of conditions. Are you giving it the care it needs to assure that performance? The extra seasonal needs of a vehicle are obvious in the winter time, with its snow, ice and freezing temperatures.  But summer’s punishing effects might not be as obvious.

Summer Driving

Excessive temperatures can cause engine overheating, which can compromise engine components and cause expensive damage requiring extensive repairs.  When the engine temperature exceeds 230 degrees Fahrenheit it is overheated. At temperatures above 245 degrees Fahrenheit, engine damage may result.  Engine overheating is also a dangerous situation that can quickly put you and your passengers in danger.  Make sure your vehicle’s cooling system is working properly to avoid overheating.

If you haven’t given much thought to car care lately, take some time to review this summer car care checklist to help your vehicle beat the heat:

  • Batteries – Have your battery tested to be sure it is strong enough to endure the heat. People think of dead battery problems in the winter, but many do not realize hot summer temperatures can be just as rough on batteries. 
  • Tires – Keep your tires inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle. Soft, under-inflated tires generate heat, which can result in a blowout. 
  • Coolant – Have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer as part of scheduled maintenance. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is usually required every two to five years.
  • Radiator – Have your radiator checked to be sure it is in good condition and that the fluid level is correct. Another issue to watch for is a plugged radiator core. This problem can happen when coolant flushes are not performed.
  • Cooling Fans – Cooling fans should be regularly checked to avoid engine problems. A cooling fan failure can lead to engine overheating problems. In some cases, trouble with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan problem. 
  • Thermostat – Have your thermostat inspected. A bad thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating. A failing thermostat can also be indicated by the check engine light illuminating or the car heater not working.
  • Water Pump – A compromised water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you should have it checked as soon as possible. 
  • Belts and Hoses – The belts and hoses in your cooling system should be checked to make sure they are tight and in good condition.  Cracks or deterioration of the rubber are signs of trouble.

 

 

Nine Checks to Prepare Your Car for Summer Heat

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Summer is finally here and so are the hot temperatures. It is important to make sure your car is ready to handle the extra heat.

Prepare Your Car for Summer Heat

Here are nine important things to check in preparing your car to safely handle the summer heat:

  1. Air Conditioning System – Check your air conditioning system to assure it is properly maintained to adequately cool your car’s interior. This will protect you and your passengers from dangerous heat while you are traveling.
  2. Battery – Like extreme cold, extreme heat can also put your battery at risk. Battery fluid evaporates faster when it is exposed to high temperatures, which can lead to corrosion on terminals and connections. Be sure to keep these clean, and have your battery tested if it is older than three years.
  3. Radiator – Have your radiator inspected to be sure it is in good condition, and that the radiator core has not been damaged by salt corrosion. Another issue to watch for is a plugged radiator core. This problem can happen when coolant flushes are not performed.
  4. Coolant – Antifreeze and coolant are critical to your car’s heating and cooling system. Having the coolant flushes performed per your owner’s manual recommendation is extremely important in assuring your engine runs clean and cool.
  5. Cooling Fans – A cooling fan failure can lead to engine overheating problems. In some cases, trouble with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan problem. Cooling fans should be regularly inspected to avoid engine problems.
  6. Thermostat – There is no set mileage that predicts when it will fail, but when it does, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. A bad thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating. A failing thermostat can also  be indicated by the check engine light illuminating or the car heater not working.
  7. Water Pump – A compromised water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you should have it checked as soon as possible. An experienced auto technician will be able to spot a water pump that is about to fail.
  8. Belts and Hoses – The belts and hoses in your cooling system should be inspected to make sure they are tight and in good condition.  Cracks or deterioration of the rubber are signs of trouble.
  9. Tire Pressure – Check the pressure of your tires to make sure they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can overheat, which increases the chance of a blowout during summer months.

 

8 Checks to Help Your Vehicle Beat the Heat

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Driving in the summer heat is rough on your vehicle, especially during road trips.  It is important for drivers to be aware of the punishing effects extreme heat can have their cars.

Help Your Vehicle Beat the Heat

One problem excessive heat can lead to is an overheated engine, which can compromise engine components and cause serious damage requiring expensive repairs. Engine overheating is also a dangerous situation that can quickly put you and your passengers in danger.  When the engine exceeds 230 degrees Fahrenheit, is overheated, and at temperatures above 245 degrees Fahrenheit, engine damage may result.  Make sure your vehicle’s cooling system working properly to avoid overheating.

Before you head off on your next long drive, take some time to review these eight checks to help your vehicle beat the heat:

  1. Batteries – Have your battery tested to be sure it is strong enough to endure the heat. People think of dead battery problems in the winter, but many do not realize hot summer temperatures can be just as rough on batteries.
  2. Tires– Keep your tires inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle. Soft, under-inflated tires generate heat, can result in a blowout.
  3. Coolant– Have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer as part of scheduled maintenance. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is usually required every two to five years.
  4. Radiator – Have your radiator checked to be sure it is in good condition and that the fluid level is correct. Another issue to watch for is a plugged radiator core. This problem can happen when coolant flushes are not performed.
  5. Cooling Fans – Cooling fans should be regularly checked to avoid engine problems. A cooling fan failure can lead to engine overheating problems. In some cases, trouble with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan problem.
  6. Thermostat – Have your thermostat inspected. A bad thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating. A failing thermostat can also be indicated by the check engine light illuminating or the car heater not working.
  7. Water Pump – A compromised water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you should have it checked as soon as possible.
  8. Belts and Hoses – The belts and hoses in your cooling system should be checked to make sure they are tight and in good condition.  Cracks or deterioration of the rubber are signs of trouble.

 

More Travelers Than Ever Expected for Independence Day

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Next week a record number of people will be travelling on America’s roadways for Independence Day vacations. According to AAA, a new record will be set with 41.4 million Americans traveling by automobile this Independence Day.

Independence Day Travel

Travel  numbers are up this year for several  reasons. Lower gas prices have more people making road trip plans and a robust economy has greater numbers of Americans planning vacations across the United States.

When making your plans for your Independence Day holiday or other summer travel, make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road.  Start with this check list:

  • Test your battery
  • Check your lights to make sure all are working
  • Make sure wiper blades are in good shape
  • Check fluid levels
  • Check the pressure on all tires including your spare
  • Pack roadside emergency items like jumper cables and travel compressor

Other ideas for planning a smoother trip include:

  • Make sure your maps are up-to-date – whether paper or GPS
  • Download an app like GasBuddyto make sure you find the best gas prices
  • Check out the Waze app for real-time traffic info
  • Pack snacks and drinks for the car to save time and money
  • Plan your route and stops before you leave
  • Bring along a cell phone charger with a car adapter

Where ever you are planning to go, have fun and have a safe trip!

Extreme Heat Means Vehicles Need Extra Attention

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Open Road Sun ShiningDrivers know that winter weather and dropping temperatures mean that your vehicle will require additional care to assure it runs smoothly and dependably. What many drivers may not realize is that scorching summer temperatures can also take a serious toll on your car. To avoid the risk of being stranded, motorists should keep in mind that extreme heat means that vehicles need some extra attention.

According to a recent heat wave recap from AAA Mid-Atlantic, more than 9,000 stranded Philadelphia drivers had to be serviced within a seven day period. 40 percent of those calls for assistance were due to dead car batteries and flat tires that resulted from the heat.

In addition the dangers and inconvenience of being stranded, drivers need to be mindful of the detrimental effects extreme heat can have on the vehicle itself. Driving with an overheated engine can compromise engine components and cause serious damage requiring expensive repairs.

AAA advises all motorists living and driving in areas experiencing extreme heat to take extra precautions by following these preventative maintenance tips:

  • Batteries – Heat ruins batteries. Have your battery tested to be sure it is strong enough to endure the punishing summer temperatures.
  • Tires – Soft, under-inflated tires generate heat, which can result in a blowout. Keep your tires inflated to the pressure recommended for your vehicle.
  • Fluids – Check all fluids including the coolant level in the overflow tank and top off as needed. The fluid level in the radiator should be checked as well, however, NEVER remove the radiator cap when the engine is HOT, as this can result in serious injury. Always perform your vehicle’s preventive fluid checks while the engine is cool.
  • Coolant – Drivers should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer as part of scheduled maintenance. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is usually required every two to five years.

 

Keep Your Cool – Avoid Engine Overheating

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Your car’s engine works hard to convert fuel into mechanical energy, and in the process Overheatingcreates a substantial amount of heat. To manage that heat, your vehicle has its own cooling system that assures your engine stays cool enough to function properly. Engine overheating is a dangerous situation that can quickly put you and your passengers in peril, and put your car at risk for expensive damage.  When the engine exceeds 230 degrees Fahrenheit, is overheated, and at temperatures above 245 degrees Fahrenheit, engine damage may result.  As the heat increases, the different rates of thermal expansion cause metal to distort.

Keep your vehicle’s cooling system working properly to avoid overheating. These components should be checked on a regular basis:

Coolant – Anti-freeze and coolant are critical to your car’s heating and cooling system. Having the coolant flushes performed per your owner’s manual recommendation is extremely important in assuring your engine runs clean and cool.

Radiator – Have your radiator inspected to be sure it is in good condition, and that the radiator core has not been damaged by salt corrosion. Another issue to watch for is a plugged radiator core. This problem can happen when coolant flushes are not performed.

Cooling Fans – A cooling fan failure can lead to engine overheating problems. In some cases, trouble with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan problem. Cooling fans should be regularly inspected to avoid engine problems.

Thermostat – There is no set mileage that predicts when it will fail, but when it does, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. A bad thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating. A failing thermostat can also  be indicated by the check engine light illuminating or the car heater not working.

Water Pump – A compromised water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you should have it checked as soon as possible. An experienced auto technician will be able to spot a water pump that is about to fail.

Belts and Hoses – The belts and hoses in your cooling system should be inspected to make sure they are tight and in good condition.  Cracks or deterioration of the rubber are signs of trouble.