| With so many wonderful and interesting U.S. cities, | | | | Subaru technicians report that belts and hoses are |
| an increasing number of Americans are forgoing | | | | the second-biggest cause of auto breakdowns |
| international travel in favor of road trips to the | | | | after failed batteries. Have the belts and hoses |
| beach, mountains, and other domestic hotspots. If | | | | checked during an oil change or other service visit. |
| you count yourself among them, make sure your | | | | Our list continues with 3 more auto maintenance |
| vehicle is in good condition before hitting the wide, | | | | check points to address before leaving for your |
| open road. The following list of summer | | | | summer road trip. A little preventive maintenance |
| maintenance check points will help ensure a safe | | | | is the first step towards making your vacation |
| ride to your vacation destination. | | | | more pleasant. |
| 1. There's a lot riding on your tires-make sure | | | | 4. Batteries die in the summer too. Dead batteries |
| they can handle it. If your tires are still in good | | | | are not just a wintertime nuisance. According to |
| shape, prevent unnecessary wear by rotating | | | | the RK Subaru service department, batteries |
| them whenever you change the oil. (RK Toyota | | | | deteriorate even faster in hot weather. Before |
| technicians recommend a rotation every 6,000 | | | | your summer trip, have your battery checked by |
| miles.) If the tread on your tires is fairly worn, | | | | a professional, especially if it is over three years |
| consider replacing them before departing. If you | | | | old. |
| see the "wear bars" (rubber strips that usually are | | | | 5. Seat belts save lives--make sure they work |
| darker than the tire), replace your tires | | | | well. Your belts should unreel smoothly when you |
| immediately. RK Toyota technicians also maintain | | | | pull them, and retract securely around you after |
| that proper tire inflation is vital. Follow the | | | | you fasten the latch. If your belt is not fitting |
| manufacturer's recommendation for the proper | | | | snugly, check the "retractor" (a spool-like device |
| pressure. | | | | near the floor) for stuck debris. On older cars, |
| 2. Like tires, brakes are crucial to your family's | | | | make sure the belts are not frayed or torn. |
| safety. RK Subaru technicians advocate having | | | | 6. Compensate for a heavy load. If you are |
| brakes checked whenever tires are rotated. If | | | | towing a boat or trailer, or hauling an excessive |
| your brakes make unusual squealing or grinding | | | | number of passengers or luggage, adjustments |
| noises when you hit them, or if the steering | | | | may be in order. The RK Scion Service |
| wheel pulls to one side, you might need new | | | | Department recommends that you consult your |
| brakes. If your car has an anti-lock braking | | | | owner's manual on how to compensate for extra |
| system (ABS), as most recent models do, pay | | | | heavy loads. If you own a high-riding sport utility |
| attention to your dashboard indicators. If, after | | | | vehicle or minivan, avoid using a roof cargo |
| about 2 seconds, the ABS light goes out, the | | | | carrier, which raises the center of gravity and |
| system is in good working order. If the light stays | | | | increases the risk of a rollover. |
| on, have a mechanic check your brakes. | | | | Address these basic maintenance check points |
| 3. Pay attention to belts and hoses to decrease | | | | even if you're not planning any out-of-town trips. |
| the risk of a breakdown. Fan belts, which used to | | | | You'll reduce the risk of a road-side emergency, |
| last about a year, are now much more durable, | | | | save time and money, and ultimately make your |
| so people tend to neglect them. However, RK | | | | summer more enjoyable. |