Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on Stenson Fields and Sinfin May 2015 | Page 8

Spotlight Magazine

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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.

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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