Summer is a popular time to embark on family driving trips. Whether or not you’re planning one of these mobile adventures this year, here is some practical advice that might just prevent some unexpected mechanical problems from ruining your driving plans this season.
Hot summer weather causes your engine, cooling system, transmission, electrical, and air conditioning systems to all work harder under intense heat and pressure. Compounding this demand by weighing your vehicle down with passengers and cargo leaves little room for deficiencies. Any marginal vehicle components are more likely to fail under these taxing conditions. Hilly or mountainous driving will also require your vehicle to be in top condition to handle these extra demands.
Especially after such a severe winter, it is important that your vehicle has clean fluids, filters, and that all systems are in sound working order. Good tires and brakes, belts and hoses, wiper blades and battery are a must. Additionally, you will want to make sure those pesky dashboard warning lights are all off and check that all it’s exterior lights go on.
Before an extended driving trip it is always a good idea to take your vehicle in for any required maintenance according to the manufacturer’s schedule. For your safety and peace of mind, most dealers’ service departments and good repair shops will give your vehicle a no cost inspection while it’s in for an oil change or other service.
Even if you’re not planning a major road trip this summer, but driving a safer, more reliable and better performing vehicle is important to you, here is something to consider.
Your dentist and physician always stress the importance of routine dental and health care. This same preventative maintenance philosophy works just as well for your car.
Today’s vehicles can withstand a lot of abuse, but eventually machines will break if not maintained properly. I suspect that many of you may have gotten away with doing very little maintenance on your vehicles without any consequences, in fact some owners brag to me about it, however, over time you probably won’t be so lucky.
In a popular 1970’s TV commercial for Fram oil filters, the mechanic working under a car overhauling the engine says to the viewers, “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” The advertiser’s point being that spending $4.00 to replace an oil filter regularly can save you the expensive cost to rebuild an engine due to neglect.
In my opinion, this is just good common sense. In fact, the best advice I can give to anyone who owns a vehicle and plans to keep it a long time is simply this, do all of the recommended factory maintenance on time and use a high quality gasoline brand of the required grade. The small extra cost of caring for your vehicle in this way is an investment that will reward you with many trouble free miles over the years.
As for those of you planning a family road trip this summer, please drive safely, be nice to each other, and enjoy your adventures together!
