Before you hit the road this summer, take a look at the following checklist to make sure your car is in good condition:
1. Kick the tires. And then get out the tire-pressure gauge and check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner's manual. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don't forget to check your spare as well.
Underinflated tires run the risk of a blowout, and overinflated ones make hydroplaning more likely in rainy weather. There's a financial payoff, too: Properly inflated tires increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Check the tread while you're down there. Stick a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln's head facing down -- if the head is fully visible, you need new tires.
2. Check the essentials. Check the oil after running the car for a few minutes. It should be at a sufficient level and appear clean on the stick. Though many technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles, some manuals recommend 7,500 miles-check your owner's manual for guidance.
New windshield-wiper blades might be a good investment for summer driving. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, and the previous winter's weather may have taken a toll on the blades' performance.
3. Make time for a tune-up. A quick tune-up before a long trip is a good idea -- especially because it could improve your fuel economy by 4% to 12%. Call Wiygul Automotive Clinic to schedule an appointment today.
4. Clean out your trunk. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your miles per gallon by up to 2%.
5. Prepare for the worst. Keep an emergency kit with some necessities in your car in case you get stuck. There are a number of kits you can buy that include jumper cables, an air compressor, tools and a first-aid kit.
Wiygul Automotive Clinic prides itself on helping motorists in the Burke-Fairfax Station area of Northern Virginia moving along no matter what the season. Contact us today to learn more!
