More than half of US drivrs strive to clock 150,000 miles on their vehicle before replacing it. And more than a quarter aspire to hit 250,000 miles, according to a recent survey.* What about you?
With older cars on the road, preventive maintenance is more important than ever - especially when preparing for summer road trips. Follow these tips to keep your ride running, beat the heat and conquer the miles ahead.
With older cars on the road, preventive maintenance is more important than ever - especially when preparing for summer road trips. Follow these tips to keep your ride running, beat the heat and conquer the miles ahead.
Check Your Vital Fluids
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Check your owner's manual to see how often your manufacturer recommends changing the oil and filter. Also check your radiator fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid - and top-off or change them as needed.
Clean & Replace Wiper Blades
Getting caught in summer showers with dirty or old wiper blades isn't fun. Simply run a paper towel over your wiper blades to clean off dirt. Check for cracks and tears in the blades, and be sure to replace them at the interval specified by your owner's manual.
Keep Your Tires Pumped & Rotated
Check the pressure and wear on your tires regularly, while also rotating and balancing them. Over- or under-inflation can weaken your tires, cause uneven tread wear, and impact your gas mileage. You can find the proper tire pressure in your owner's manual or on a decal often located in your vehicle's door jamb. For the most accurate reading, check the pressure when the tire is cold or at air temperature. Be sure to check the spare too!
Stay Cool & Check the A/C
Have a professional perform a cooling system check to ensure you'll stay cool throughout the summer heat. Over time, dirt, bugs, leaves and other debris can collect in fornt of your ride's radiator and interfere with the cooling system. Spray the radiator grill with a hose when you wash your vehicle to remove debris and allow air to flow freely to your air conditioner.
Check & Replace Your Engine Air Filter
An engine air filter is like your vehicle's lung. The dirtier the air filter, the less clean air can get to your engine, which can affect performance. See your owner's manual for how often it should be replaced.
Prepare for an Emergency
Pull together an emergency kit to keep in your trunk. Include items such as bottled water, a flashlight, flares, duct tape, batteries, jumper cables, energy bars, a blanket and pair of gloves, emergency phone numbers, first aid supplies and a can of Fix-A-Flat® inflator and sealer. You can never be too prepared!
Increase Fuel Efficiency
Excess weight makes your engine work harder and use more gasoline, affecting fuel efficiency. This is especially important to consider for long summer road trips. Match the load rate of your vehicle (found in the owner's manual or inside the driver's side door) with the estimated weight of your family and the luggage you'll be packing for the trip to maximize your gas mileage. Visit fueleconomy.gov for more information on fuel efficiency and ways to save.
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