Summer Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Beautiful Summer weather brings concerns for the maintenance of your vehicle. Extreme heat, sun exposure and long drives can be tough on cars. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to deal with the effects of Summer.

 

Here are 10 tips to help you maintain your vehicle during the summer months:

 



1) Check hoses and belts

Pop the hood and take a close look at the shape your hoses and belts are in. You want to keep an eye out for any cracks or damage. Hoses should be firm not soft and squishy. Make sure belts are free of cracks and check and see if the material has started to separate anywhere. You will want to ensure that there are no loose connections or leaks. If you end up with a crack in a hose or a broken belt the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.

2) Check the oil

• Let your vehicle run for a few minutes.
• Park on a level surface, turn engine off.
• Let the vehicle sit for a few minutes. 
• Open the hood.
• Locate the oil dipstick
• Pull out dipstick, clean it off with a lint free rag.
• Insert the dipstick back into the pipe.
• Pull it out again and look at the film from the oil that remains on the stick.

     You are looking for two things here: First, you want to see the level of the oil. Second, you are checking for how the oil looks. If the oil is at the add line on the dipstick you can add a quart or consider an oil change if you are due. How does the oil look? It should look brownish-yellow and clean on the stick. If it is dark or has lots of dirt and grime in it then an oil change and filter replacement are probably in order. Oil is the life blood of your car, it keeps you vehicle running smooth and cool (very important in the summer.) If it is not maintained then you can have problems. Extra driving and hot outdoor temperatures can deplete your oil faster than usual.

*If you change your own oil and filter remember to recycle them properly.*
3) Check the Coolant/Radiator
Typically you should have your radiator flushed every two years. In between flushing it's a good idea to check coolant levels to make sure they are okay. Also, keep an eye out for a coolant leak. If you notice a puddle of coolant (or any other fluid) under your car after being parked then you should get it looked at ASAP. The performance of your radiator is very important, especially in the summer months, it is what keeps your engine cool. * Never open a hot radiator cap!!!
4) Check the Battery
While you're under the hood, now's a good time to have a look at the battery. Check to see that the connections look good and that everything is secure. You also want to make sure that the posts are clean. Keep an eye on how your vehicle's battery keeps it's charge, if it drains too quickly you may need a new one. The summer heat can evaporate the battery fluid quicker as well!
5) Check Windshield Wipers
It's hard to remember your wipers when the snow isn't flying! If there hasn't been much precipitation in the summer months the wipers can be easily overlooked. Be ready for those unexpected Summer rain storms by giving your wipers a good once over. Look for visible cracks or tears and try them out to see if they leave streaks or take several swipes to clear away light rain. If so, it`s time for new ones. Also check your windshield for any cracks or chips and have those repaired as soon as you are able.
6) Check the Air Filter
A lot of driving on dirt and gravel roads can clog your air filter before it is due to be changed. A little dirt is okay but make sure it is not too dirty, or totally clogged. If it is clogged it can lower your fuel efficiency, and nobody wants that.

7) Check the Brakes
 There are some important signs to watch for when it comes to your breaks. First, pay attention to the way the pedals feel when you are driving, and take note of any changes. Look for things like the break pedal becoming soft and mushy, hard and resistant or if it rests too high or to low. Watch for indication lights on your dash that may signal a problem. And lastly, listen to how your breaks sound. Take note of any unfamiliar or strange sounds like loud scraping and grinding. Squealing is not usually a problem, so no need to be overly worried about that. If you notice anything that causes concern have your breaks inspected and repaired ASAP, you want to fix any minor problems before they become big, costly problems.                                                       
8) Check the Tires
Tires are an important part of your car's well being, and they are often over looked. It is a good idea to get into the habit of always walking around your vehicle and checking on the state of your tires before you drive. This gives you an opportunity to check for any problems before you go. Often you can spot problems like flat tires and bulges well before they cause you trouble on the road. Also, it is important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. The heat fluctuations in the summer can cause your tire pressure to change and you want to make sure that your tires are not under or over inflated. Don't forget to check the condition of your spare and make sure the tire pressure is good on that one too. It won't do you much good in a pinch if it is flat or damaged.
9) Check the Air Conditioning
Most of us think nothing of our air conditioning but if it stops working in the middle of summer it will be all you think about when you are driving. It's a good idea to have it checked at the beginning of the season when you are transitioning from winter to spring. Otherwise you just have to take note of any changes in how well your air conditioning is working. If you notice that it takes longer for it to start working or it doesn't seem to generate cool enough air then you will want to have it looked at. Generally you will need to have the refrigerant topped up, but sometimes it can be more serious that that.
10) Interior and Exterior maintenance
harmful UV Rays can reek havoc on the condition of your vehicle. It is very important for you to take steps to protect your interior and exterior as much as possible. There are a few east things you can do to help:
- Park your vehicle in the shade when ever possible.
- When you wash your car follow up with a good quality wax that has UV protection.
- Use a sun shade to block the sun from causing fading and cracking in the interior, plus it will keep things cooler inside making it way more comfortable.
 

 Hopefully, these things will help make your vehicle run smoother this summer, so you can spend your time doing all the wonderful things that Summer has to offer.
- Muriel Rolufs





No Manual? No Problem!

            Often when you buy used vehicle the owner’s manual is nowhere to be found. Or, if you bought your car new, you’ve misplaced the manual somewhere along the way. If this is the case, don’t worry your vehicle has a lot of information attached to it that can often answer your questions.

            The vehicle VIN or “Vehicle Identification Number” is a great place to start. This sequence of numbers is unique to your vehicle. No two vehicles have the same VIN; this number is assigned to one specific vehicle when it is manufactured. This number is used for many different things from insurance policies, accident reports, lien reports, and body or engine work done on your vehicle. Each number used in the VIN has a meaning. The VIN is located in two different places on your vehicle; on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s side door jam. You can also find the VIN on your insurance papers and your bill of sale.

            Every number in the VIN has a meaning:

1-      Represents the nation of origin, for example; a vehicle built in the U.S.A. is 1, 4 or 5. Canada is a 2, Mexico 3, Japan “J”, Korea “K”, England “S”, and Germany “W.”

2-      The second number is the manufacturer, for example; “A” is Audi, “B” is BMW, “L” is Lincoln, and “N” is for Nissan.

3-      This number is for the vehicle type or manufacturing division, for example; 1G1 is for a Chevrolet passenger car, 1G2 is for a Pontiac passenger car, and 1GC is a Chevrolet truck.

4-9 These numbers tell about the model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and                                    engine code.

10- The 10 number is the model year. Letters B-X correspond to the model years starting with X being 2000. Model years starting with 2001 and up are indicated with corresponding numbers starting with 1.

11- This is the manufacturer plant; each auto maker has its own code.

The last 6 – These numbers are the production sequence numbers; this is given to your car on the assembly line.

A lot of these numbers are not really relevant to you but you never know, plus it’s a great way to impress your friends.

        Besides the VIN there is also a “Tire Vehicle Place Card.” This gives you tire and loading information. This will tell you: seating capacity, tire size and dimensions, and tire pressure information.  There are a number of places that this information could be located, depending on your vehicle. Places to look for this are:

-Driver side front or rear door

-Drivers or passenger side pillar (closest to the door hinge or closest to door handle.)

-Passenger front or rear door

-Fuel tank filter door

-Trunk/hatch area

-Glove box

-Center console

-Sun visor

There is also a “Vehicle Compliance Certificate Label” This label will have the weight requirements for your vehicle. This is necessary if you plan to haul or tow anything. This is found on a sticker that is placed somewhere in the drivers sill area. There are several different abbreviations for different types of requirements.

GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  This is the maximum safe weight of your vehicle.

GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight. This is the standard curb weight plus allowance for passengers, luggage, and gas. This is an approximation.

GCW – Gross Combination Weight. This is the actual weight of your vehicle plus the weight of your trailer. This number must not be higher than your vehicles GCWR.

GCWR – Gross Combination Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight of your combined vehicle and trailer. If this weight is exceeded it puts stress on the engine, transmission, and brakes beyond their design limits.

GAW – Gross Axel Weight. This is the weight expected to be placed on your front and rear wheels.

GAWR – Goss Axel Weight Rating. This is the maximum safe weight that can be placed on your rear and front wheels. If you exceed this weight rating you can create a dangerous driving situation or even damage your vehicle.

          

             Inside the door of your gas tank there is also a label that will tell you what kind of fuel your vehicle requires and what grade of gas is best for your car. Some newer vehicles also have fuel economy labels to tell you MPG.

 

 

            So, if you need information about your vehicle and your manual is nowhere to be found just take a look around your vehicle. The information you need might be right in front of you.

-Muriel Rolufs