Pretty soon, we’ll all be heading out on summer vacations. Before you head out, you’ll want to ensure that your vehicle is running in tip-top shape.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check your tires. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure not only improves fuel economy, but it also ensures that your car will handle optimally in any emergency maneuvers.
If you notice any damage or excessive wear, bring the car in for a professional opinion as to your best options.
You’ll also want to check your cooling and air conditioner systems. The number one cause of breakdowns is related to coolant problems and engines overheating, and many common cooling system problems result from poor air flow around the radiator. So, before the summer driving season starts, clean out any leaves, pine needles or other debris that might have accumulated in the fins of the radiator and the air conditioning condenser.
Checking your vehicle’s radiator cap at the start of the summer driving season is also a good idea. Given the temperatures to which the radiator cap is continually exposed, its internal rubber gasket can end up cracked, deformed, damaged or simply hardened, and the cap’s metal spring also weakens over time.
While the hood is up, check the coolant/antifreeze mixture inside your vehicle’s radiator.
Changing the oil on schedule and keeping it full is also key. Engine oil must be replaced at recommended intervals using the weight/viscosity of oil required by your vehicle's owner manual. Between changes, be sure to check the oil level on a monthly basis, adding fresh oil whenever necessary.
You’ll also want to check your gas cap. The gas cap is a critical component of your car’s emission control system, and if it isn’t airtight it will trigger "check engine" or "emissions service" lights on your dashboard. Also, check the gasket around the gas cap to ensure that it has no cracks or other damage.
Before you head out, check your lighting and visibility. Check your headlights to make sure they all work and that there are no hidden wiring problems.
Check to make sure that there is no corrosion on the terminals of the car’s battery. Many electrical-system issues can be avoided by keeping the battery terminals and connections clean and tight.
Clean your windows, replace worn wipers with a fresh set, and check to make sure that the washer-fluid reservoir in the car is full.
Give the rest of your car a once-over. Inspect the belts and hoses and check the battery. Extreme heat and cold put additional strain on an automobile battery, particularly older ones.
Finally, use a pro for long trips by having your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
Ready to head out? Give our professional service department a call at 860-652-3000 and we’ll make sure you’ll have a safe trip.
Not sure your car is going to make it for your family vacation? Check out our new cars in Connecticut – as well as our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Fords.
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