| We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles | | | | clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This |
| are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in | | | | only takes a few minutes and is usually |
| sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car? | | | | inexpensive. Change your oil and oil filter every |
| But what about during the summer? Believe it or | | | | 3,000 miles or four times a year. |
| not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it | | | | Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. Get |
| is important to keep your car serviced. | | | | plenty of windshield washer solvent. We have a |
| Periodic maintenance on your car will save you | | | | tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so |
| tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle | | | | your fluids may be low. Tires should be rotated |
| should last longer and command a higher resale | | | | every 5000 miles or so. Check the spare tire to |
| price, too! I made it a point to get my car | | | | make sure its inflated properly. Also, make sure |
| serviced according to the dealers schedule, and | | | | you have a jack along with it! Transmission |
| when I traded it in, I got far more than I | | | | troubles equal money troubles equal emotional |
| expected due to the stellar condition of the | | | | troubles! |
| engine. | | | | Have your transmission serviced periodically, and |
| Now I know this is not bedtime reading, but the | | | | prevent big-time repair bills. If you notice that |
| owners manual can be your best friend assuming | | | | your brakes are less efficient, get them checked |
| you read it! At least take a look-through | | | | out right away. Have your battery checked |
| periodically. How about while you are waiting to | | | | periodically to see how much life it has left! |
| get your oil changed? Follow the manufacturers | | | | Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they are |
| recommended service schedules. | | | | working. Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, |
| This could save you a major breakdown. Have | | | | a flashlight, and a cell phone. There you go. Now |
| the air conditioning system looked over by a | | | | you have a simple list to keep your car in great |
| qualified technician. A check up here can save you | | | | running shape. Remember, your car needs to be |
| a huge bill later. The greatest cause of summer | | | | maintained and checked over even in the |
| breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem | | | | summer. Taking care of your car takes only a |
| by making sure the cooling system is flushed and | | | | few minutes each month, and pays you big |
| refilled as recommended. Have your cars belts, | | | | dividends for the life of your vehicle! |