Summertime Car Care

Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves. Most of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer.



However, in summer months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too. Remember, you car needs protection and routine maintenance year round, no matter what the temperature.



Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don't think that it isn't hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam in 90 degree plus temperature with the air conditioner blasting away inside.



The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedule.



If your car is older and out of warranty you need to be more vigilant. It's up to you to make a service schedule for your car. Make a checklist and keep track of the following items;



Oil. This should be changed every 3,000 miles. If you car is "using" oil as the saying goes, check it every other time you fill up. Carry an extra quart of oil in the trunk. Along with an oil change most "speedy" oil change business check belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, etc.



Antifreeze. Have your cars heating and cooling system checked on at least yearly. You want to make sure you have adequate temperature protection, summer and winter.



Air cleaner. This should be checked at the same time you have your oil changed. A clogged air cleaner can really slow down your engines performance.



Brakes. If you notice any squealing of your breaks have them checked as soon as possible. It's much cheaper to replace worn pads than it is to have to replace expensive rotors if they become worn.



Tires. The air pressure is usually checked at the same time you have your oil changed. You should also have the tires rotated on a regular basis, this can really prolong their life.



Battery. Batteries are sealed units now. Have the battery checked at least once a year.



Following these tips all year round will help you keep you car in top running order.

Take Care of Your Body

The winter months can be tough on your body... your car body that is. Salt and chemicals used in the colder climates can wreak havoc on your cars precious sheet metal. By doing a few simple things this winter, you can keep your car's body looking it's best.

Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and cold temperatures.

· Wash the underside of your car often during the winter months. Salt and chemicals will collect under the vehicle and slowly start eating away at your car.

· Skip the undercoating unless you are buying a new car. Applying undercoating after a car has been on the road for a year or two is pointless. The metal has already started to rust and there is bound to be water stuck in places it does not belong. Once you undercoat, you trap that water or rust and allow it to destroy your car.

· Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water. This water is loaded with salt and will get thrown into all the cracks and crevices of your car.

· When springtime rolls around, treat your car to a good wax job again. Make sure to get all of the road grime and salt off of the car before you begin waxing.

With proper care and love, you body will stay in shape for years to come.