Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on Mansfield South May 2015 | Page 22

Spotlight Magazine E Is Your Car Ready For Summer? very year as we approach winter there are articles popping up advisine us to prepare our cars for the cold weather, however, your care needs to be ready for hot weather too. Here are a few tips to make your summer driving a breeze. If you are planning a road trip this summer, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put petrol in your car and go. A pre-trip vehicle check can determine how road-ready your vehicle is so you can take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out on holiday, and to avoid the potential safety hazards of breaking down miles from home. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions. Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer and power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power. Check the hoses and belts and replace if they become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. 22 These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. Treat your car to a good car wash. Winter takes a toll on every part of your car — everything from your brake lines to your engine gets blasted by a constant barrage of salt, ice, water, sand, and general filth. Interiors become filled with dirt and tracked-in grime. Do yourself a favor and clean your car top to bottom, inside and out. Use good, high-quality cleansers and high-pressure water on the outside to get rid of salt and trapped sand, and be sure to hit the wheel wells and underbody. Many local garages will perfom an air conditioning check up for free. If you have ever been caught in a traffic jam on a hot summers day with irritable kids you will know how important good air conditioning can be. Your local garage will usually also have a check up available for summer motoring, so why not drop in and let them give your car a professional once over. www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • [email protected]