| Don't risk being stranded or getting less | | | | the condenser. Have your mechanic make sure |
| than you should from your car at trade in. A | | | | the electric cooling fan motor near the |
| little attention to the basics now will | | | | condenser is coming on. |
| improve its appearance and performance for | | | | |
| years to come. | | | | In fan blade models, the fan should turn very |
| | | | fast. Also have your mechanic check the |
| Now scheduling with your service center is | | | | Freon level and pressure. Air conditioners on |
| easy, thanks to this handy checklist of items | | | | older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting |
| for the spring season. Don't miss the first | | | | chemicals that could be released into the air |
| checklist, with items you can do yourself. | | | | if the system isn't working properly. |
| | | | |
| 1.First, find a quality service shop. Look | | | | 5.If your engine is experiencing hard starts, |
| for one that services cars equal in value to | | | | rough idling, or stalling, have it fixed. |
| your own (their parking lot will speak | | | | Often times, the trouble stems from basic |
| volumes!). Go inside and check out the | | | | things like worn spark plugs, a dirty air |
| equipment in the service bays (for example, | | | | filter, or bad ignition wires, but if you're |
| our RK Chevrolet service center has | | | | not mechanically inclined whatsoever, it's |
| state-of-the-art, computerized equipment. | | | | best to go straight to a professional. |
| This facilitates faster diagnosis and repair, | | | | |
| getting you back on the road quicker.) | | | | (Taking care of little things early will |
| | | | likely improve your gasoline mileage and |
| To find out the qualifications of the | | | | prevent minor problems from becoming |
| technicians, scan the walls for trade school | | | | expensive repairs later on. |
| diplomas, certificates of advanced course | | | | |
| work and training classes. | | | | 6.Don't neglect your transmission. RK Toyota |
| | | | technicians report that routine service can |
| 2.Have your technician check the tightness | | | | eliminate costly repairs down the road. A |
| and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses. | | | | manual transmission does not usually |
| (RK Scion technicians recommend that belts | | | | experience trouble, except for the clutch, |
| and hoses be inspected monthly). | | | | which can be problematic if improperly |
| | | | adjusted or abused. |
| Worn, glazed or frayed belts should be | | | | |
| replaced, as should bulging, rotten, or | | | | A common problem with automatics is fluid |
| brittle hoses. Clamps should be tightened. | | | | breakdown from overheating. Fluid and filter |
| | | | changes every 24,000 miles can avoid |
| 3.Anything that is worn or damaged should be | | | | premature transmission failure but few people |
| replaced to prevent sudden breakdowns. | | | | heed such advice. |
| | | | |
| 4.If your air conditioner system is faulty, | | | | Don't miss Part 1 of this series: RK Auto |
| have it checked. Cooling inefficiency could | | | | Group Spring Checklist of Services You Can Do |
| be the result of a lack of air flow across | | | | On Your Own. |