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