Winter is on its way out, and warmer temperatures mean a multitude of
outdoor activities, spring break road trips and summer vacations in our cars. Towing boats
and trailers. City stop-and-go traffic. Long-distance driving. Heat, dirt, off-road
experiences. Are our winter-weary cars up to the challenge?
"Spring is an ideal time to take care of preventive auto
maintenance," said Stephen Christie, executive director of Automotive Oil Change
Association. "Grueling summer heat can be just as harmful to an ill-maintained car as
winter cold."
One of the least expensive, least time-consuming investments you can
make on your car is to change your oil with each change of season. Remember, change of
season = change of oil. You’ll keep your motor humming by changing your
car’s oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Periodically checking the dipstick to make sure the oil is filled to the proper level and
is clean will minimize engine wear. Clean oil is transparent and light brown in color.
Motor oil doesn’t break down, but the additives that are mixed
with the oil do. By 3,000 miles, virtually all of the additives in motor oil have been
spent. A change of oil is required to maintain the level of protection provided by these
very important additives.
Also, sludge builds up when contaminants such as condensation, dust,
metal shavings and even antifreeze get into the system. Sludge buildup can cause your
engine to perform less efficiently or to even lock up.
Tempted to wait more than 3,000 miles to change your oil? If you, like
90% of Americans, make a lot of short trips at speeds under 60 miles-per-hour or drive in
traffic that requires frequent stops and starts or idling, it’s not a good idea to
postpone oil changes. The American Petroleum Institute defines these as "severe"
driving conditions, warranting more frequent oil changes than for "normal"
driving conditions.
What else can you do to ensure that your car performs its best this
summer? AOCA offers these additional guidelines:
* Replenish the radiator. Regularly check the coolant level and
the antifreeze mixture in the radiator. If the coolant is rust-colored, flush the system.
As a general rule, the system should be flushed every other year.
* Baby your battery. Make sure your battery is charged and
securely in place. Clean and tighten corroded connections and, if your battery is not
maintenance free, be sure to check the water.
* Take care of tires. Watch for worn treads or bald spots. Keep
a tire gauge handy and check the pressure periodically, following the recommendations in
your owner’s manual. To ensure even wear, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to
8,000 miles. Remove snow tires now if you had them on for winter driving.
* Analyze alignment. Pothole-ravaged roads wreak havoc on car
alignments. If your car pulls to one side or you notice uneven tire wear, have your
car’s alignment and suspension checked.
* Be good to your brakes. If brakes squeal or if the pedal feels
soft when pressed, get them inspected. In addition, check the brake fluid level.
* Check your transmission. Winter is the most rigorous time for
transmissions. Pay attention to fluid level, particularly in areas where winters are
harsh. If you’re planning to tow with your vehicle, consider adding an extra
transmission fluid cooler. This will extend the life of your transmission.
* Examine your windshield wipers. Replace worn blades. Road salt
can deteriorate the rubber. Fill the fluid reservoir if necessary.
* Inspect belts and hoses. Make sure that drive belts are tight,
but not cracked, glazed or frayed. Inspect all hoses for leaks, bulges and cracks. Secure
any loose clamps. Replace all hoses if vehicle has 60,000 or more miles. Hoses can
look good on the outside, but can deteriorate from the inside. Replace vacuum hoses if
brittle or loose.
* Keep light bulbs bright. Evaluate all lights and signals.
Replace any burned-out bulbs.
* Bathe your car. Wash your car’s exterior to prevent rust
and paint damage from road salt and slush. Remove any dirt or salt trapped underneath your
car. Also, sun takes a toll on your paint job. Wax more frequently in the summer, and park
in the shade when possible.
* Prepare for emergencies. When it comes to long road trips,
follow the Boy Scouts’ first rule: be prepared. A little advance planning can
minimize road problems. Keep an emergency kit in your car, and you’ll be able to fix
many breakdowns on the spot. A good roadside assistance kit should include a flashlight
(with fresh batteries), flares, a basic auto tool set and clean rags. You also should have
a jack, a lug wrench, a flat fixer, portable tire pump, and jumper cables. And don’t
forget to include a first-aid kit, and maybe snacks and bottled water in case you do
become stranded.
