Warm weather doesn?t signal the end of car maintenance time.
In fact, warm weather can often wreak more havoc with a car than cold weather.
“In extreme conditions even the best maintained vehicle can suddenly develop a mechanical problem, catching area motorists unaware,” said approved auto repair specialist Jeffrey Boone, with the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
Boone and his colleague Ed Kriston discussed the preventative maintenance car owners should take now to ensure they don’t have breakdowns in the months ahead.
» As mentioned in earlier columns, extreme heat can cause hoses to leak. Check a cool engine for cracked or worn hoses and immediately have them replaced.
» Regularly check tires? air pressure. Over- or under-inflated tires can result in flats, poor gas mileage and other hazards. Also, don?t neglect your spare. Although a car?s mileage generally dictates oil changes, terrain and other driving conditions may necessitate frequent tire replacements.
» Remember, extreme temperatures, especially heat, shorten the typical “life expectancy” of a car battery, which lasts from three to five years. The battery is the car?s heart, so it should be regularly tested.
» Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.
» Check motor oil level and condition. If driving under extreme conditions ? such as very hot temperatures or towing a heavy trailer ? switch to motor oil with higher viscosity. Check the owner’s manual for specific oil recommendations.
» Check the air conditioning system for leaks and have it serviced using the refrigerant R-12 in older systems or R-134A in new or modified air conditioners. Do not use nonapproved substitute refrigerants. Again, let your owner’s manual be your guide.
» Keep a log book of maintenance items and fuel economy. A sudden drop in fuel mileage could indicate mechanical problems.
» Carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, extra batters and warning devices such as flares and reflective triangles. If possible, always keep a charged cell phone with you to summon emergency assistance.
